Abstract: The invention allows for transporting, in different degrees of security strength, a symmetric key encrypted using an asymmetric encryption technique, and along with this transporting ciphertext derived from plaintext encrypted under this symmetric key. The encryptor encrypts the plaintext using a symmetric whose strength is commensurate with the trust level of the environment in which the encryptor is located. The encryptor encrypts this symmetric key for one or more intended recipients using an asymmetric technique commensurate with a high-trust environment. In the case of the encryptor residing in the low-trust environment, the encryptor additionally encrypts this symmetric key using an asymmetric encryption public key of the originator itself (or alternatively, that of a third party). Decryption equipment in all environments uses the decryption process corresponding to an algorithm identifier included by the originator.

Abstract: A new design procedure for constructing a family of DES-like Substitution-Permutation Network (SPN) cryptosystems with desirable cryptographic properties including provable resistance to differential cryptanalysis, linear cryptanalysis, and related-key cryptanalysis is described. New cryptosystems called CAST ciphers, constructed according to the procedure, are also described. Details of the design choices in the procedure are given, including those regarding the component substitution boxes (s-boxes), the overall framework, the key schedule, and the round function. A fully specified example CAST cipher, an output of this design procedure, is presented as an aid to understanding the concepts and to encourage detailed analysis by the cryptologic community.