A Symmetric Variable–Key Stream (SVKS) Data Encryption Standard (DES) Model for Long Distance Communication

Security is very important in data transmission. Data is transmitted through unsecured paths such as the air when two devices communicate over long distances. Encryption has been adopted for securing data as it moves between the two communicating devices. Encrypted data requires a key for decrypting the message. The management and availability of the key has determined the success and adoption of encryption systems over the years. This study proposes a new key management method for the Data Encryption Standard (DES). The model developed in this research uses the DES model with modifications in the key distribution pattern. The encryption key is divided and transmitted over several media from the sender of a message to the receiver. The model also allows encryption keys of variable length as opposed to keys of fixed length in DES. This will increase the time and amount of job done for any eavesdropper to break into any encryption security thus improving the security standard of the encryption model. The model developed is secure and practicable. It is suitable for encrypting messages sent through public or social media such as email, messages, tweets and status messages.