What is RC2?
Q: What is RC2?
A: RC2 is a symmetric-key block cipher designed by Ronald Rivest in 1987. It uses a 64-bit block size and 18 rounds of encryption.
Q: What does "RC" stand for?
A: "RC" stands for "Rivest Cipher", or alternatively, "Ron's Code".
Q: How many rounds are performed when using RC2?
A: When using RC2, 18 rounds are performed - 16 mixing rounds interleaved with two mashing rounds.
Q: How does the key expansion algorithm work?
A: The key expansion algorithm produces an expanded key consisting of 64 (16-bit words) depending on every bit of the supplied variable-length input key.
Q: What type of attack is RC2 susceptible to?
A: RC2 is susceptible to a related-key attack using 234 chosen-plaintext attacks.
Q: Who sponsored the development of RC2?
A: The development of RC2 was sponsored by Lotus, who were seeking a custom cipher be exported as part of their Lotus Notes software.
