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Luis Domínguez, Mexican researchers carries out an approach on the current ciphering systems.

Recently WhatsApp began using these processes to cipher their messages.

In general terms, this is how message ciphering works.

Currently there are 7 different ciphering methods, each one with specific objectives which include imagery, digital signing, keys or passwords among others and according to the discipline for which they are created, researchers build indestructible algorithms. 

For a week experts from different countries will discuss the evolution of these ciphering systems and their future in modern technologies during the first summer course on ciphering called, “The first Summer School on Cryptology Crypto-CO” which will take place between June 29 and July 9. The event is organized by the Universidad del Rosario, the Universidad Nacional de Colombia (UNal) and the Escuela Superior de Guerra. 

The course will gather a group of experts, students and professors which have shown an interest on the matter and the strategies currently being used to make texts more secret. 

Of those not knowledgeable on the topic, Mexico CIMAT-ZAC Researcher Luis Domínguez Pérez says that coding a message means taking the text and applying an algorithm to the system and converting it so only a computer or intelligent device can read it. 

“For instance Netflix uses a flow ciphering method. This means images are processed through an information condenser with a predetermined function and releases bit by bit of information on the computer. Allowing us to see the images on the display,” said Domínguez. 

However flow ciphers are the simplest messaging processors as messages may be coded in an easier manner. 

Currently the intelligence agencies have been devoted to building more robust processors with the purpose of encrypting messages so they will not be detected. This occurs especially with political or military intelligence messaging. 

What determines that an encryptor is more successful than others?  In general terms, its capability to create an algorithm. For instance researchers work with physically unclonable functions (PUF) which use more complex ciphering. In these events, text is passed through a processor which is capable of converting the 128 bit message up to 14 times so it will be completed coded,” said Domínguez. 

Recently WhatsApp revealed that its messages would be ciphered from end to end. To do this the company used one of these processors known as Signal, created by Open Whisper Systems, which uses a system known as MAC, one of the most efficient in terms of ciphering messages. 

The art of ciphering messages is as old as writing itself. Since ancient times human beings have sought forms to communicate secretly. With this technology, messages are increasingly more complex and avoiding deciphering is the goal of the experts on the matter.