Enhanced data security for file sharing: A hybrid approach combining RSA and Modified DES ciphers

Abstract

This paper presents a hybrid implementation of the RSA and Modified DES encryption and decryption ciphers, combining the strengths of both algorithms for enhanced security and performance. The RSA algorithm, based on the difficulty of factoring large prime numbers, provides strong encryption capabilities using a public-key system. However, it can be computationally expensive for large amounts of data. To address this limitation, the Modified DES algorithm, known for its efficiency, is incorporated. The key generation process involves generating the RSA key pair and a symmetric key for Modified DES. The encryption process converts plaintext blocks into numerical values, encrypts them using the RSA public key, and then further encrypts them using Modified DES with the symmetric key. This hybrid encryption technique offers a double layer of security. For decryption, the process is reversed, with Modified DES decryption followed by RSA decryption. Extensive experimentation and analysis are conducted to evaluate performance and security. The results show that the hybrid implementation achieves a balance between security and efficiency. By combining asymmetric and symmetric encryption, the approach provides enhanced protection against attacks while mitigating computational overhead. The hybrid implementation of RSA and Modified DES is a promising solution for secure communication and data protection in various applications.