Encryption Key Length and Cracking Time

What is the average time required to crack each encryption key length?

a. 40 bits

b. 56 bits

c. 64 bits

d. 80 bits

e. 128 bits

f. 256 bits

Final answer:

Answer:

a. 40 bits - Approx. 3.33 years to crack

b. 56 bits - Approx. 8.53 million years to crack

c. 64 bits - Approx. 3.68 billion years to crack

d. 80 bits - Approx. 1.05 trillion years to crack

e. 128 bits - Approx. 8.71 x 10^22 years to crack

f. 256 bits - Approx. 1.15 x 10^67 years to crack

Explanation:

The time required to crack an encryption key depends on the number of bits in the key and the rate at which attempts can be made. We can calculate the time using the formula: Number of trials / Attempts per second.

a. For a 40-bit key, it would take approximately 3.33 years to crack (1014 seconds / 3 x 10^7 seconds per year).

b. For a 56-bit key, it would take approximately 8.53 million years to crack.

c. For a 64-bit key, it would take approximately 3.68 billion years to crack.

d. For an 80-bit key, it would take approximately 1.05 trillion years to crack.

e. For a 128-bit key, it would take approximately 8.71 x 10^22 years to crack.

f. For a 256-bit key, it would take approximately 1.15 x 10^67 years to crack.

These calculations illustrate the importance of using longer encryption keys to enhance security and protect sensitive information.