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Which type of attack is based on the probability of two…

Which type of attack is based on the probability of two different messages using the same hash function
producing a common message digest?

PrepAway - Latest Free Exam Questions & Answers

A.
Differential cryptanalysis

B.
Differential linear cryptanalysis

C.
Birthday attack

D.
Statistical attack

Explanation:
Birthday Attack: Usually applied to the probability of two different messages using the same hash function that
produces a common message digest; or given a message and its corresponding message digest, finding
another message that when passed through the same hash function generates the same specific message
digest. The term “birthday” comes from the fact that in a room with 23 people, the probability of two or more
people having the same birthday is greater than 50%.
Incorrect Answers:
A: Differential Cryptanalysis is applied to private key cryptographic systems by looking at ciphertext pairs, which
were generated through the encryption of plaintext pairs, with specific differences and analyzing the effect of
these differences. This is not what is described in the question.
B: Linear Cryptanalysis is using pairs of known plaintext and corresponding ciphertext to generate a linear
approximation of a portion of the key. Differential Linear Cryptanalysis is using both differential and linear
approaches. This is not what is described in the question.
D: A statistical attack is exploiting the lack of randomness in key generation. This is not what is described in the
question.

Krutz, Ronald L. and Russel Dean Vines, The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer
Security, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 2001, p. 154-155
Harris, Shon, All In One CISSP Exam Guide, 6th Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2013, p. 828


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