Abstract

In this chapter, we consider the relationship between theoretical and practical security of a cryptosystem. The concept of perfect secrecy is introduced, and the one-time pad is exhibited as a cryptosystem having this property. We explain why the one-time pad offers the best possible theoretical security that any cryptosystem can have. We then identify reasons why the one-time pad may well be insecure when adopted in practice. The compromises real cryptosystems adopt for reasons of practicality are investigated with the intention of working towards a notion of practical security of a cryptosystem.

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