Encryption keys: RSA vs. ElGamal

[John W. Moore III]

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Robert J. Hansen wrote:
>> So it would be great if someone could tell me how they differ when 
>> it comes to security and efficiency.
> 
> Answering this in detail will require at least a solid undergraduate
> degree in either CS or mathematics.

Robert's statement above is quite correct.

That said; I personally [subjectively] feel that Elgamal is bit-for-bit
more secure.  In My former career I was 'privileged' to attend several
In Service Training lectures regarding this and even discuss at length
these concepts with folks who most certainly knew what they were talking
about.  Needless to say, much of their 'proofs' were so far over My head
that I didn't even feel a whiff of wind. :-D

Since they were employed by the same Government Agency as I & their
specific job function was to analyze these very areas; I have no problem
accepting their conclusions on faith.

In the 'Real World' of practical, non-tactical Communication the
differences between Elgamal & RSA are probably negligible.  The issue of
'time' as originally mentioned by You is also negligible today.  We are
now in a realm of Ghz processors and multi-core processors so 'time' is
now measured in increments of a second.  Hardly a viable consideration.

Ultimately, You, alone, must determine what algorithm best suits Your
needs and comfort level.

JOHN ;)
Timestamp: Monday 26 Nov 2007, 11:12  --500 (Eastern Standard Time)
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