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What is a stream cipher? A type of data encryption method is explained.

Explanation of IT Terms

What is a Stream Cipher?

In the world of data encryption, stream ciphers play a vital role in securing sensitive information. A stream cipher is a type of encryption method that operates on a stream of data, encrypting and decrypting it in a continuous flow. Unlike block ciphers that process data in fixed-length blocks, stream ciphers encrypt plaintext one bit or byte at a time, making them suitable for real-time communication and data transmission.

How Does a Stream Cipher Work?

Stream ciphers utilize a pseudorandom key stream to encrypt plaintext data. This key stream is generated by a key, which could be a random string or a sequence of bits. The key stream is combined with the plaintext using the XOR (exclusive OR) operation, resulting in the ciphertext.

The encryption process in a stream cipher is continuous, meaning that each bit or byte of the plaintext is encrypted independently. This makes stream ciphers highly efficient for encrypting large amounts of data, as there is no need to divide the data into fixed-length blocks.

Advantages and Applications of Stream Ciphers

There are several advantages to using stream ciphers:

Due to these advantages, stream ciphers find application in various areas:

Overall, stream ciphers are an essential tool in the field of data encryption, offering speed, efficiency, and adaptability in securing sensitive information.

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