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Everything about Stream cipher

Type of symmetric key cipher

A stream cipher is a symmetric key cipher where plaintext digits are combined with a pseudorandom cipher digit stream (keystream). In a stream cipher, each plaintext digit is encrypted one at a time with the corresponding digit of the keystream, to give a digit of the ciphertext stream. Since encryption of each digit is dependent on the current state of the cipher, it is also known as state cipher. In practice, a digit is typically a bit and the combining operation is an exclusive-or (XOR). Wikipedia →

🧭 Start here: a 6-step reading path

  1. Read the overview: Stream cipherA 5-minute orientation
  2. Skim a recent paper: DeepKeyGen: A Deep Learning-Based Stream Cipher Generator for Medical Image Encryption and DecryptionInfluential work since 2022
  3. Pick up a classic book: RC4 stream cipher and its variantsThe most-reprinted book on the subject
  4. Read the landmark paper: Attacks on the RC4 stream cipherCited 129 times
  5. Go sideways: Distinguishing attackA closely related topic
  6. Go sideways: RC4A closely related topic

📖 Definitions

Noun a symmetric-key cipher in which plaintext digits are combined with a pseudorandom cipher digit stream

🏆 Landmark papers (most cited)

🆕 Influential since 2022

📚 Books worth reading

Ranked by number of editions on Open Library, a rough measure of how lasting a book is.

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