SecureKeyGen - Advanced Cryptographic Key Generator

Abstract

SecureKeyGen is a robust cryptographic key generation tool designed to enhance data security by leveraging multiple hashing algorithms, key derivation techniques, XOR operations, and symmetric encryption methods. Built using Java, this project ensures secure and unpredictable key generation for encryption purposes. The tool adheres to modern cryptographic standards, integrating AES, 3DES, Blowfish, PBKDF2, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512, and MD5 to provide multi-layered security.

Installation

Clone the repository and navigate to the project directory:

git clone https://github.com/AdityaBhatt3010/SecureKeyGenerator.git
cd SecureKeyGen

Key Features

1. Multi-Stage Key Generation – Generates cryptographic keys using PBKDF2, XOR operations, and multiple encryption layers.
2. Hashing Algorithms – Supports MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512.
3. Key Derivation Function – Implements PBKDF2 for strengthened security.
4. Symmetric Encryption – Uses AES, 3DES, and Blowfish to protect keys.
5. XOR-Based Key Mixing – Introduces additional randomness and complexity in key generation.
6. End-to-End Encryption & Decryption – Encrypts and decrypts data securely using the generated key.

Technology Stack

• Language: Java
• Cryptographic Standards:
  • PBKDF2 – NIST SP 800-132
  • SHA-1 – ISO/IEC 10118-3, NIST FIPS 180-4 (Deprecated)
  • SHA-256, SHA-512 – ISO/IEC 10118-3, NIST FIPS 180-4
  • MD5 – ISO/IEC 10118-3 (Deprecated)
  • AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) – ISO/IEC 18033-3, NIST FIPS 197
  • 3DES (Triple DES) – ISO/IEC 18033-3, NIST SP 800-67 (Deprecated)
  • Blowfish – No official NIST standard but widely used

Methodology

1. Input Handling – Accepts user input for data and key.
2. Hashing – Generates four different hashes (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512).
3. Key Mixing & Derivation –
   • Extracts substrings from hashes.
   • Uses PBKDF2 to derive secure keys.
   • Performs XOR operations to increase entropy.
4. Multi-Layered Encryption –
   • Encrypts the generated key sequentially using AES, 3DES, and Blowfish.
5. Final Key Generation – Combines the results to form a secure cryptographic key.
6. Data Encryption & Decryption – Uses the generated key to encrypt and decrypt user-provided data.

Security Standards Compliance

SecureKeyGen follows modern cryptographic best practices:

Algorithm	Standard	Security Status
MD5	ISO/IEC 10118-3	Weak (Collisions found)
SHA-1	ISO/IEC 10118-3, NIST FIPS 180-4	Weak (Collision attacks exist)
SHA-256	ISO/IEC 10118-3, NIST FIPS 180-4	Strong
SHA-512	ISO/IEC 10118-3, NIST FIPS 180-4	Strong
PBKDF2	NIST SP 800-132	Secure
AES	ISO/IEC 18033-3, NIST FIPS 197	Secure
3DES	ISO/IEC 18033-3, NIST SP 800-67	Weak (Deprecated)
Blowfish	No official NIST standard	Somewhat outdated

Usage Example

import java.util.Scanner;

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Scanner scanner = new Scanner(System.in);
        
        System.out.print("Enter Data: ");
        String data = scanner.nextLine();
        
        System.out.print("Enter Key: ");
        String key = scanner.nextLine();
        
        String generatedKey = SecureKeyGen.genKey(key);
        String cipherText = Symmetric_AES.encrypt_AES(data, generatedKey);
        String plainText = Symmetric_AES.decrypt_AES(cipherText, generatedKey);
        
        System.out.println("Original: " + data);
        System.out.println("Encrypted: " + cipherText);
        System.out.println("Decrypted: " + plainText);
        
        scanner.close();
    }
}

Results

• Robust Key Generation using advanced cryptographic techniques.
• Multi-Layered Security with PBKDF2, XOR, and multiple encryption algorithms.
• AES Encryption ensures high-level data confidentiality.
• Successful Decryption confirms data integrity and security.

Conclusion

SecureKeyGen is an advanced, secure, and efficient cryptographic key generation system. By combining hashing, PBKDF2, XOR operations, and multiple encryption techniques, it ensures highly unpredictable key generation for enhanced security. The project adheres to ISO, NIST, and industry-standard cryptographic guidelines, making it a reliable tool for security professionals and developers.