encryption algorithms

 

The question asks which of the provided encryption algorithms is:

1. LEAST computationally efficient: This means the algorithm requires the most processing power and time to encrypt or decrypt data.
2. Provides the highest level of security: This means the algorithm is the most resistant to cracking or unauthorized access.

The Options:

• A) AES (Advanced Encryption Standard): AES is a widely used symmetric encryption algorithm known for its speed and efficiency. It's generally considered very secure, but the question is looking for the least efficient.
• B) RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman): RSA is an asymmetric encryption algorithm commonly used for key exchange and digital signatures. Asymmetric algorithms are generally slower than symmetric algorithms like AES. RSA's security relies on the difficulty of factoring large numbers.
• C) ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography): ECC is another asymmetric encryption method that offers strong security with smaller key sizes compared to RSA. It's known for its efficiency, especially in terms of computational power relative to the security level it provides.
• D) Blowfish: Blowfish is a symmetric block cipher known for its speed and efficiency. While it was a strong algorithm, it's considered less secure than AES today, especially with its smaller key sizes.

The Answer and Explanation:

The answer is B) RSA. Here's why:

• Computational Inefficiency: RSA, being an asymmetric algorithm, involves complex mathematical operations (modular exponentiation) with very large numbers. These operations are significantly more computationally intensive than the operations used in symmetric algorithms like AES or Blowfish.
• High Security: RSA's security is based on the difficulty of factoring large composite numbers into their prime factors. As long as sufficiently large key sizes are used, RSA is considered very secure.