Discrete linear models for the generalized self-shrunken sequences

In this work, different decimation-based sequence generators for cryptographic purposes have been analyzed in detail. In fact, the modified self-shrinking generator was first introduced as an improved version of the self-shrinking generator. However, it is here proven that the sequences produced by both generators belong to the same family of sequences, that is the class of the generalized self-shrinking sequences. Thus, both sequences have the same properties as well as the same weaknesses. Moreover, such sequences can be generated by linear structures based on one-dimensional cellular automata. The linearity inherent to the cellular automata-based models can be used to launch a cryptanalytic attack against such non-linear generators.