This weekend I took part in an security challenge. I had great fun doing it but

Question

This weekend I took part in an security challenge. I had great fun doing it but i found a huge gap in my knowledge that I'm really keen to fill and hope someone here can help get me pointing in the right direction.

Midway into the challenge I discovered 2 files that appeared to contain encrypted data, but i could find no clues at to the encryption method or a key that may unlock them.

On the assumption that I'd not just overlooked this information, how could i of started to extract the information from the data? I'd be happy to share the files somewhere if someone can recommend a place to upload?

Explanation / Answer

Unless it is an insecure cipher, you won't be able to know which algorithm was used. That's what confusion/diffusion is all about.

From my experience with such challenges, I'd say you're missing something. Maybe there's a key somewhere, maybe you get your hands on some source code, etc.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.