Enhancing Performance of Hybrid AES, RSA and Quantum Encryption Algorithm

Since the start of the age of computers, encryption algorithms have been applied to keep data safe from malicious users. These algorithms are usually updated based on the limitations of previous algorithms. These limitations are usually exploited by intruders. Since theses algorithms are well documented, their internal operation is well known to everyone, thus making it easier to take advantage of these limitations. Many researchers1 suggest using a hybrid encryption algorithms solution, but the combination of encryption algorithms may affect the performance and it increases the computational power required to run it. In addition, there is another threat that rises with the developing interest in quantum computing, the development of quantum computers could break a couple of known encryption algorithms like AES and RSA. Although it is still far from happening, because quantum computer is still in early stages and existing quantum computer are expensive and hard to maintain, many researchers started looking into the quantum cryptography field. The aim of this research is to apply a hybrid encryption method that combines two encryption algorithms namely AES and RSA and focuses on the performance aspect in regards of time required for encryption/decryption method, CPU performance during the encryption/decryption process and apply attack on the created methods to test security, such brute force attack and known plaintext attack, as well as applying a hybrid quantum key distribution solution to hybrid encryption method to verify data integrity before encryption process start. Quantum key distribution uses the laws of nature to create a unique key. The paper offers three different methods of combining two encryption algorithms namely, AES and RSA, these methods were created, implemented and tested during this research. As well as an introduction of the use of quantum encryption protocol BB84 to the three-hybrid encryption method that is created in this research, which are AES/RSA Hybrid, AES/RSA Key and AES/RSA Alter Key. The proposed algorithms are tested and validated through a comparison study. The three proposed hybrid encryption offers different results in terms of time and security, for example AES/RSA Hybrid offer good security but slow decryption time, while AES/RSA Key offers fast encryption/decryption but suffer in the security, however, the AES/RSA Alter Key offer good security and fast encryption/decryption time. The research also proposed adding quantum protocol BB84 to the created hybrid encryption methods proposed in this research and study the effect it will have on the time and CPU usage. The result of this paper indicates that hybrid encryption of two algorithms, such as AES and RSA could provide better security while maintaining fast encryption/decryption speed, like the invented AES/RSA Alter Key method that been implemented in this research. While quantum computers are not widely accessible there are still benefits, such as keeping personal data secure, in preparing for the post quantum era.