Speaker: Shaun A. Encarnacion
Candidate for Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
Time: 3:10 PM
Place: Trustee Hall 211
Supervisor: Dr. James W. McGuffee
Title: Cryptography and Encryption - Implementing the Blowfish Algorithm

Abstract: The Blowfish encryption algorithm was designed in 1993 by Bruce Schneier. It was meant to be a fast and free alternative to existing encryption algorithms, such as DES or IDEA. The purpose of this project was to implement and test various versions of the Blowfish algorithm. The variations tested included Bruce Schneier's original algorithm, a mini-Blowfish algorithm, and algorithms that partially used Blowfish. The criteria used in the comparisons were based on differences in decryption speed and accuracy. Some of the variables measured included, time in seconds of both encryption and decryption speeds, the size of the files used, and the versions of Blowfish being implemented. Tests were performed on a large text file, a PDF file, and a picture file. In conclusion, there was little to no differences between encryption and decryption speeds, but the accuracy was stronger with larger versions of the algorithm.