Better Key Sizes (and Attacks) for LWE-Based Encryption

We analyze the concrete security and key sizes of theoretically sound lattice-based encryption schemes based on the “learning with errors” (LWE) problem. Our main contributions are: (1) a new lattice attack on LWE that combines basis reduction with an enumeration algorithm admitting a time/success tradeoff, which performs better than the simple distinguishing attack considered in prior analyses; (2) concrete parameters and security estimates for an LWE-based cryptosystem that is more compact and efficient than the well-known schemes from the literature. Our new key sizes are up to 10 times smaller than prior examples, while providing even stronger concrete security levels.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2011
• Where: CTRSA
• Authors: Richard Lindner, Chris Peikert
• Keywords: Concrete Security, Cryptology, CTRSA 2011, Enumeration Algorithm, Key Sizes