Research Areas

Design and analysis of cryptographic S-boxes

To be described: standard and spectral approach

Bent functions

new instances and their class membership

Linear codes

with or without applications in cryptography 

Cryptanalysis of stream and block ciphers

- distinguishers through generalized invariants

Post quantum cryptography

An intense post-quantum cryptanalysis of block ciphers started in 2010 after a quantum distinguisher has been constructed for 3-round Feistel block cipher, which is based on the so-called Simon's quantum algorithm. Since then, the cryptographic community started applying other quantum algorithms (such as Grover's, Bernstein-Vazirani's, etc.) in order to revaluate the security of existing block ciphers, message authentication codes (MAC) and authenticated encryption (AE) schemes. The overall impact of quantum algorithms in the field of cryptanalysis reflects in a significant reduction of the complexity of certain cryptanalytic methods. Following the current trends in the field of post-quantum and classical cryptanalysis of block ciphers (and their modes), the FAMNIT crypto group aims to explore further the potential of existing/new quantum algorithms. More specifically, our main research interests are related to construction of quantum distinguishers (for block ciphers and their modes, AE schemes) and deriving new design principles which ensure the resistance to post-quantum attacks.