Crypto View: Visual Representation of Cryptographic Algorithms

Cryptography is a fundamental topic in an information assurance curriculum. Educational software systems have an increasingly significant presence in engineering sciences. They aim to improve students attitudes and knowledge acquisition typically through visual representation. This paper presents a software solution for Crypto View Visual Representation of Cryptographic Algorithms, which was developed to support a Data Security course at the School of engineering level. The system allows users to follow the execution of several complex algorithms (DES, AES, RSA, and Diffie-Hellman, Vigenere cipher and Symmetro-Asymmetro) on real world examples in a step by step detailed view with the possibility of forward and backward navigation. It also provides the analysis of these algorithms by calculating the computation time and efficiency. Benefits of the Crypto View system for students, it help them to understand the complex algorithms in a simplified manner and that facilitate the students to reduce their fear to attempt the exams.