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Known-Plaintext Attack (KPA)

A cryptographic attack where an attacker uses known plaintext to decipher encrypted data.

Understanding:


A KPA is a cryptographic attack where an attacker has access to both plaintext and corresponding ciphertext, allowing them to infer encryption keys or attack the algorithm.

Common Applications and Use Cases:


  • Breaking Weak Encryption Algorithms – Older encryption standards like DES are vulnerable.

  • Cryptanalysis & Intelligence Gathering – Used by cybersecurity researchers and hackers.

  • Password Cracking – Attackers use KPAs to guess hashed passwords.

Best Practices and Security Considerations:


  • Use Strong Encryption (AES, ECC, RSA-4096) – Prevents key inference.

  • Avoid Using the Same Key for Multiple Encryptions – Reduces attack feasibility.

  • Implement Padding & Salting Techniques – Defends against KPAs.

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