Case Study

Your Company is a multinational company that deals with sensitive customer data, including financial records, personal identification information, and proprietary business information. The company has recently experienced a significant data breach, which resulted in the theft of sensitive information. To prevent future incidents and enhance the security of their data, the company is planning to implement robust cryptographic solutions.

Task

As a security consultant, you are required to analyze the current situation at Your company and propose a comprehensive cryptographic strategy to safeguard their data. Your proposal should cover the following aspects:

Introduction to Cryptology $(3$ marks$)$

Explain the importance of cryptology in modern data security.

Describe the basic concepts of cryptography and cryptanalysis.

Discuss how cryptology can address the issues faced by YOUR COMPANY.

Conventional Symmetric Encryption Algorithms $(4$ marks$)$

Outline the theory behind block cipher design and its relevance to securing data.

Explain the structure and function of Feistel ciphers, using DES as an example.

Discuss the different modes of operation $($ECB$,$ CBC$,$ OFB, CFB$)$ and recommend the most suitable mode for YOUR COMPANY $,$ justifying your choice.

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of DES and explain why it might be insufficient for YOUR COMPANY $\text{'}$s needs.

Modern Symmetric Encryption Algorithms $(4$ marks$)$

Compare and contrast at least three modern symmetric encryption algorithms $($e$.$g$.,$ AES, Blowfish, Twofish$).$

Discuss the importance of key distribution and management in symmetric encryption.

Recommend a modern symmetric encryption algorithm for YOUR COMPANY $,$ providing reasons for your choice.

Public Key Cryptography $(4$ marks$)$

Explain the principles of public key cryptography and its advantages over symmetric encryption.

Describe key exchange algorithms and their importance in secure communication.

Discuss the role of prime number testing and the challenge of factoring large numbers in the context of public key cryptography.

Propose a public key cryptography solution for YOUR COMPANY $,$ including key exchange mechanisms and standards to be followed.