Encryption System with Variable Number of Registers

Encryption in wireless communication systems is an extremely important factor to protect information and prevent fraud. In this paper, we propose a new encryption system for use in stream cipher applications. The design proposed is intended for hardware implementation and based on (n+1)(n+1) feedback shift registers interconnected in such a way that one register controls the clocking of the other n registers. The aim of this construction is to allow the production of a large family of distinct keystreams when the initial states and feedback functions of the feedback shift registers are unchanged. The produced keystreams are shown to possess the basic security requirements for cryptographic sequences such as long period, high linear complexity and good statistical properties, provided that suitable parameters are chosen. Furthermore, the design is shown to resist various types of cryptanalytic attacks. These characteristics and properties enhance its use as a suitable encryption system for stream cipher applications.