Symmetry in Cryptography and Cybersecurity
A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Computer".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 3421
Special Issue Editors
Interests: wireless communication systems; cybersecurity; blockchain technology; Internet of Things; cloud computing; machine learning; AI
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: IoT; network security; AI
2. Department of Computer Science, West Ukrainian National University, 46009 Ternopil, Ukraine
Interests: information security; cryptography; blockchain technologies; AI in cybersecurity; anti-money laundering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Cybersecurity and cryptography are increasingly intertwined fields, where the principles of symmetry and asymmetry play pivotal roles. In cryptography, symmetry refers to the use of identical keys for both encryption and decryption (symmetric cryptography), while asymmetry involves the use of paired public and private keys (asymmetric cryptography). In cybersecurity, symmetry and asymmetry describe the balance or imbalance between attackers and defenders in terms of power, strategy, and resources.
This Special Issue explores the multifaceted concept of symmetry across both domains. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing secure systems, anticipating emerging threats, and enhancing defensive capabilities. We invite researchers, practitioners, and academics to contribute original research articles, reviews, and case studies that investigate the theoretical foundations, practical applications, and implications of symmetry and asymmetry in cryptography and cybersecurity.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Symmetric and asymmetric cryptography: Advances in algorithm design, implementation, and cryptanalysis of symmetric and asymmetric cryptographic systems;
- Cryptographic protocols and key management: Exploring the role of symmetric and asymmetric techniques in secure communications and data protection;
- Cyber warfare and strategic symmetry: Analysis of how symmetry and asymmetry shape cyber conflict dynamics among state and non-state actors;
- Attack–defense asymmetry in cybersecurity: Investigating the challenges defenders face compared to attackers, and innovative strategies to reduce this gap;
- AI and machine learning for symmetric defense: Leveraging intelligent systems to detect, predict, and respond to cyber threats in a balanced and adaptive manner;
- Human-centric asymmetries: The influence of user behavior, awareness, and insider threats on system security and resilience;
- Economic and policy aspects: Cost-benefit analysis of symmetric vs. asymmetric security models and implications for national and international cybersecurity policy;
- Legal and ethical considerations: Frameworks for addressing the use of symmetric and asymmetric methods in surveillance, privacy, and cyber operations;
- System resilience and recovery: Designing architectures and protocols that withstand and adapt to both symmetric and asymmetric threat landscapes.
Dr. Topside E. Mathonsi
Dr. Okuthe P. Kogeda
Dr. Ruslan Shevchuk
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Symmetry is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- symmetric cryptography
- asymmetric cryptography
- applied cryptography
- cryptographic attacks
- network and data security
- software security
- privacy preservation and secure protocol design
- attack–defense asymmetry
- cyber threat detection and mitigation
- AI security and machine learning in cybersecurity
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