Novel algorithm may improve security against fraudulent online transactions

New Delhi: A new digital security algorithm can make it tougher for cyber-attackers to beat user-authenticity tests such as one-time passwords (OTPs) and CAPTCHA, scientists say.

The algorithm, called BaReNPI, uses a software-based random number generator that makes it more difficult for cyber-attackers to crack compared to Advanced Encryption Standard 256 (AES 256) -- the current gold standard for electronic cryptographic encryption, the researchers said.

Lead scientist Geetha G, from Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab, explained that BaReNPI is named after its unique properties -- balance, resilience, non-linearity, propagation characteristics, and immunity, which she said are the key parameters in which it beats AES.

The technology involves random number generation with symmetric properties, with which security algorithms develop ciphers or algorithms to perform encryption or decryption.

WhatsApp is one of the applications that uses security algorithms such as BaReNPI. The solution would also be useful in devices connected to the Internet of Things.

The researcher added that web browser security algorithms can also be strengthened with BaReNPI.

Geetha said her team has filed a US-patent, and has bagged funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) for the hardware implementation of the algorithm.