Abstract: A system translates a first group of cipher blocks based on a first encryption key to a second group of respective cipher blocks based on a second encryption key. Respective cipher blocks of the first and second groups represent the same data. The system comprises decryption hardware for sequentially decrypting the cipher blocks of the first group based on the first key. Encryption hardware is coupled to receive decrypted blocks output from the decryption hardware and sequentially encrypts the decrypted blocks into respective cipher blocks of the second group based on the second encryption key. A control unit controls the encryption hardware to encrypt the decrypted blocks into the respective cipher blocks of the second group while the decryption hardware decrypts cipher blocks of the first group. Consequently, decryption and encryption operations occur in parallel and the translation process is expedited.