Cryptographic Algorithms R&D

Previous works includes the design and implementation of two categories of cryptographic algorithms known as block cipher and hash function.

1. Chaos-Based Block Cipher: Two versions of block cipher based on the adaptation of chaos theory for key scheduling have been developed. The first version was a 128-bit cipher and the other was the extension using 256-bit key length.
2. Polymorphic Block Cipher: A polymorphic algorithm (chameleon) is a non-fixed structural approach crypto that behaved differently based on the parameter values fed to the algorithm. It has better security feature than the normal block cipher.
3. Pyramid Block Cipher: This is another block cipher algorithm that has different design approach than the chaos-based algorithm. It has the flexibility of accepting variable key length of 128, 192, and 256-bits while processing variable plaintext block of 64, 128, and 256-bits.
4. Hash Function: A one-way hash function has been developed, tested and implemented for protecting the data integrity and protocols. Common security criteria have been used throughout the development, testing and analyzing of the algorithm.

The motivation for future works will be based on the following criteria:

1. The continuous effort to design and develop our own indigenous cryptographic algorithms for self-reliance.
2. The development of the algorithm should meet the requirement of the market based on the market trend, while maintaining the stringent security requirement.

The development of algorithms which are energy-efficient for small devices and constraint-environment application

Privacy Enhancing Technologies R&D

For the last few years we have already done quite substantial effort on trusted computing[1], which forms the main component of the trusted infrastructure. Major research activities focused on Trusted Computing Group (TCG) specifications. The team have ongoing research on:

• Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
• Virtual TPM and Software TPM modules

In the existing project, trusted computing team will produce a migratable Virtual TPM which can be used to secure Cloud Computing. Future works on pervasive security will focus on trusted infrastructure and trusted platform for pervasive computing with emphasis on some methods:

• Using mathematical proofing and formal methods
• Using Proof Carrying Codes Agents
• Using trusted computing principles