CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Modern society has a significant interest in keeping information secure. Fields such as commerce, military, and simple personal communication all have a need to keep their data unreadable by unauthorized people. This study, Encryption Algorithm explores the concept of data encryption, starting with the oldest known instances of humankind encrypting information.
Encryption Algorithm is a process of transforming (plaintext) into a secret code called ciphertext. In cryptography, encryption is the process of encoding messages (or information) in such a way that eavesdroppers or hackers cannot read it, but that authorized parties can. In an encryption scheme, the message or information (referred to as plaintext) is encrypted using an encryption algorithm, turning it into an unreadable form called ciphertext.
Encryption has long been used by militaries and governments to facilitate secret communication but now in this age of widely used technology, encryption algorithm is now commonly used in protecting information within many kinds of civilian systems.
Encryption can be used to protect data “at rest”, such as files on computers and storage devices (e.g. USB flash drives). In recent years there have been numerous reports of confidential data such as customers’ personal records being exposed through loss or theft of laptops or backup drives. Encrypting such files at rest helps protect them should physical security measures fail.
Encryption is also used to protect data in transit, for example data being transferred via networks (e.g. the Internet, e-commerce), mobile telephones, wireless microphones, wireless intercom systems, Bluetooth devices and bank automatic teller machines. There have been numerous reports of data in transit being intercepted in recent years. Encrypting data in transit also helps to secure it as it is often difficult to physically secure all access to networks.
Encryption, by itself, can protect the confidentiality of messages, but other techniques are still needed to protect the integrity and authenticity of a message; for example, verification of a message authentication code (MAC) or a digital signature.
There are majorly two types of Encryption Algorithm which are Symmetric and Asymmetric which will be discussed in the next chapter.
1.1 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
This aspect of this Research work highlights the problem associated with the old method of keeping, and sending secret message before the invention of a computerized Encryption method. Very few of the problems are highlighted below;
- INSECURITY: The general and normal way of sending information and keeping information secretly has been found to be insecure as such message can easily be understood by anybody who gets in contact with it.
- MANIPULATION: Information contained in the plaintext can be easily changed and substituted for their own intended message without the intended owner of the message suspecting
- TIME CONSUMING: In trying to decrypt the message, the old and manual method takes time to crack unlike the use of computer program which simply converts the ciphertext into a plain text within a very short time under the control of some sets of instruction.
1.2 AIM AND OBJECTIVES
The sole aim of this study is to develop a program that will be able to conceal data in a way that it won’t be accessible to hackers and unauthorized users in order to increase the level of secrecy or privacy in keeping or sending information.
Objectives
- To ensure data is not manipulated by changing the content of the message by the people that are not supposed to get hold of the information.
- To ensure that data is delivered secretly and securely to the intended recipient. To most people that tries to view the content of the message sees the message as jargons and won’t be interested in its content but be moved to deliver it to the rightful owner of the message’
- To improve data insecurity. Using this method ensures that the message is safely delivered not like in the manual system of materials like pen and paper which could be lost on the way.
1.3 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY
This project work helps to show and prove that Encryption Algorithm is useful in every field and also for private use. It’s a concept that can also be adopted by organizations also in the area of sending secret information within different levels of management in an organization. It can be concluded that Encryption Algorithm is useful for all as long as privacy is needed in sending message to the other party
1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This project is limited to the use of plaintext alone by using the program to be developed to convert a given text into a coded message called a ciphertext. The ciphertext is meant only to be decrypted to the original message back by supplying a secret key.
1.5 METHODOLOGY
- Observation by personal opinion is a method used by me to observe the old method of encrypting information and trying to compare it with the computerized method using Encryption Algorithm.
- Internet through the use of search engines was adopted in search of information pertaining to this topic and picking the relevant materials among many. It helped in understanding the concept of the project topic.
- Interview method is also used. This method is used to consult with people like programmers who are familiar with the concept of the study. It helps to clarify every hard knot and confusion that may arise in the process of carrying out the objectives of the project.
1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Plaintext – an original message
Ciphertext – an encrypted message
Encryption – the process of transforming plaintext into ciphertext (also encipher)
Decryption – the process of transforming ciphertext into plaintext (also decipher)
Encryption key – the text value required to encrypt and decrypt data
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