Question: We have a symmetric encryption algorithm EK(M)=C. Here K is the secret key, M is the plaintext, and C is the ciphertext. We (and the
We have a symmetric encryption algorithm EK(M)=C. Here K is the secret key, M is the plaintext, and C is the ciphertext. We (and the attacker) know that the key length is 256 bits. The attacker eavesdrops on the communication line and gets a copy of the ciphertext C1. Now the attacker decides to conduct the brute force attack and try every possible key to get the plaintext M1. Let us assume that there is only one possible M1 and if the attacker sees it, he will know that this is the correct one. The attacker has 1,000,000 machines, with each machine having the capabilities to try 5,000,000 decryption of C1 with different keys per second. If one machine finds the right key, it will automatically notify the attacker. Now please answer, how many years (roughly) does the attacker need to try 30% of the keys?
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