Ciphertext-Only Attack on Secure k-NN Computation in Cloud Computing

Centrala begrepp

The encryption scheme proposed by Sanyashi et al. for privacy-preserving k-NN computation on the cloud is vulnerable to a ciphertext-only attack (COA).

Sammanfattning

The rise of cloud computing has led to data being stored and processed in the cloud, necessitating encryption to protect sensitive information. The k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) computation is crucial for various applications like location-based services. Sanyashi et al. proposed an encryption scheme using Asymmetric Scalar-Product-Preserving Encryption (ASPE) to enable privacy-preserving k-NN computation. However, a significant vulnerability was identified in their scheme, showing susceptibility to COA attacks. Previous attacks on the ASPE scheme highlighted its weaknesses against known-plaintext and COA attacks. In this work, a new COA attack specifically targeting the scheme of Sanyashi et al. was developed and empirically demonstrated.

Statistik

The attacker's distinguishing advantage is consistently ≈ 1 in all trials.

Citat

"The encryption scheme proposed by Sanyashi et al. for privacy-preserving k-NN computation on the cloud is vulnerable to a ciphertext-only attack."
"Our attack method shows that assumptions about randomness in the ciphertexts are not valid."

Viktiga insikter från

Ciphertext-Only Attack on a Secure $k$-NN Computation on Cloud

by Shyam Murthy... på arxiv.org 03-15-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2403.09080.pdf

Djupare frågor

How can cryptographic systems be designed to withstand sophisticated COA attacks like the one presented in this research

To design cryptographic systems resilient to sophisticated COA attacks like the one outlined in this research, several strategies can be implemented:

Randomization Techniques: Incorporating additional randomization layers within the encryption process can help mitigate patterns that attackers might exploit.
Complexity and Key Management: Utilizing complex encryption algorithms and robust key management practices can increase the difficulty for attackers to decipher encrypted data.
Regular Security Audits: Conducting frequent security audits and assessments can identify vulnerabilities early on, allowing for timely remediation.
Post-Quantum Cryptography: Exploring post-quantum cryptography methods that are resistant to quantum computing threats could provide enhanced protection against advanced attacks.

What implications does this vulnerability have for organizations relying on cloud services for secure data processing

The vulnerability exposed in this research poses significant risks for organizations leveraging cloud services for secure data processing:

Data Breach Concerns: If malicious actors exploit the identified vulnerability, sensitive information processed on the cloud could be compromised, leading to data breaches.
Reputational Damage: Organizations may suffer reputational harm if customer trust is eroded due to inadequate security measures resulting from such vulnerabilities.
Legal Ramifications: Non-compliance with data protection regulations due to security lapses could result in legal consequences and financial penalties for organizations.

How can advancements in homomorphic encryption contribute to enhancing the security of encrypted computations in cloud environments

Advancements in homomorphic encryption offer promising avenues to bolster the security of encrypted computations in cloud environments:

Privacy-Preserving Computation: Homomorphic encryption enables computations on encrypted data without decryption, enhancing privacy during processing.
Secure Outsourcing of Computations: By allowing operations on encrypted data outsourced to untrusted servers, homomorphic encryption ensures confidentiality while utilizing cloud resources efficiently.
Enhanced Data Confidentiality: The use of homomorphic encryption techniques safeguards sensitive information during computation processes, reducing exposure risks associated with plaintext operations in cloud settings.