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Symmetric Encryption Demo

Interactive demonstration of symmetric encryption using AES algorithm

Algorithm Configuration

Note: This is a simplified demonstration for educational purposes. Real implementations use proper crypto libraries with additional security features.

Step 1: Configure Encryption Parameters

Length: 38 characters (304 bits)
Key length: 0/64 hex characters
IV length: 0/32 hex characters
How This Works
Symmetric Encryption Process:
  1. Key Generation: Create a random secret key
  2. IV Generation: Create a unique initialization vector
  3. Encryption: Combine plaintext + key + IV through algorithm
  4. Transmission: Send ciphertext (key/IV sent separately)
  5. Decryption: Use same key + IV to recover plaintext
Important: The same key must be used for both encryption and decryption!
Security Notes
Key Security:
  • Keys must be cryptographically random
  • Never reuse the same key+IV combination
  • Store keys securely (not with data)
  • Use proper key management systems
IV Requirements:
  • Must be unique for each encryption
  • Can be public (but not predictable)
  • Prevents identical plaintexts from producing identical ciphertexts
Algorithm Details
Current Algorithm: AES-256-CBC
  • Key Size: 256 bits
  • Block Size: 128 bits
  • IV Size: 128 bits
  • Mode: Cipher Block Chaining
Note: This demo uses a simplified implementation for educational purposes. Production systems should use established crypto libraries.
Try This
Experiments:
  • Change one character in the key - see how decryption fails
  • Modify the IV - notice the different ciphertext
  • Try different algorithm variants
  • Encrypt the same message twice with different IVs
Observations:
  • Same plaintext + different IV = different ciphertext
  • Wrong key = failed decryption
  • Ciphertext appears random
Learn More
Full Symmetric Crypto GuideAsymmetric CryptographySecurity Principles
Educational Disclaimer

This demonstration uses simplified encryption for educational purposes. Production systems should use established, peer-reviewed cryptographic libraries like OpenSSL, libsodium, or platform-specific crypto APIs. Never implement cryptographic algorithms yourself in production environments.