⏱️CryptoBench

NEW

Also known as: Cryptography Benchmark Suite

A curated suite and methodology for measuring performance and resource usage of cryptographic primitives and protocols across platforms.

DESCRIPTION

CryptoBench refers to benchmarking suites and practices that evaluate the speed, latency, and resource consumption of cryptographic primitives and protocols on various hardware and software stacks. It typically measures throughput, operations per second, and sometimes energy use. These benchmarks help compare implementations, select libraries, and tune hardware acceleration (AES-NI, ARM Crypto Extensions, GPUs). They support reproducibility through fixed inputs, deterministic modes, and standardized test harnesses. Results guide engineering trade-offs between security strength and performance. Common tools include OpenSSL’s speed command and academic suites like SUPERCOP. Benchmarks also surface side-channel considerations and constant-time execution behavior. In regulated environments, validation programs complement performance tests with conformance checks.

ALTERNATIVE DEFINITIONS

OpenSSL

The speed command is used to test the performance of cryptographic algorithms.

Emphasizes a practical, command-line performance test for specific algorithm implementations.

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NIST

The Cryptographic Algorithm Validation Program (CAVP) provides validation testing of FIPS-approved and NIST-recommended cryptographic algorithms.

Focuses on formal validation and conformance rather than pure speed benchmarking.

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eBACS (SUPERCOP)

SUPERCOP automatically measures the performance of many cryptographic primitives on many platforms.

Highlights automated, cross-platform measurement of cryptographic primitive performance.

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RELATED TERMS

Benchmarking Cryptographic Algorithm OpenSSL Throughput Delays Hash Function Asymmetric Encryption Symmetric Encryption Key Exchange

COMPETING TERMS

SUPERCOP OpenSSL speed

KNOWLEDGE AREAS

Data Security Testing & Validation Software Engineering Infrastructure

TARGET AUDIENCE

Cybersecurity Engineer Security Architect Software Developer DevOps Engineer Chief Information Security Officer

EXTERNAL SOURCES

• Wikipedia - Benchmark (computing)
• OpenSSL - Official speed command documentation
• eBACS (SUPERCOP) - Academic crypto benchmark suite
• NIST - Algorithm validation program
• EEMBC - IoT security benchmark

TOP QUESTIONS

Why use CryptoBench when selecting a cryptography library?

CryptoBench reveals real-world throughput and latency differences between implementations and hardware. It helps balance performance and security. Clear metrics inform informed library and algorithm choices.

Category: Relevancy

What metrics does CryptoBench commonly report?

Typical metrics include ops/sec, bytes/sec throughput, latency per operation, and sometimes memory or energy use. These metrics highlight trade-offs across algorithms and hardware configurations.

Category: Example

How does CryptoBench relate to NIST validations?

CryptoBench measures performance, while NIST programs validate conformance and correctness. Both matter: correctness first, then performance for production readiness.

Category: Distinction

What is a common mistake with CryptoBench results?

Comparing apples to oranges: different message sizes, hardware, compiler flags, or modes. Always document settings to ensure fair, reproducible comparisons.

Category: Mistakes

How do hardware accelerations affect CryptoBench?

AES-NI, ARM Cryptography Extensions, and GPUs can dramatically increase throughput and reduce latency. Benchmark with and without accelerations to understand portability and fallbacks.

Category: Example

What risks exist when over-optimizing from CryptoBench?

Chasing microbenchmarks can sacrifice security (e.g., skipping constant-time) or portability. Always prioritize security and correctness over raw speed.

Category: Risks

Where should teams start with CryptoBench?

Begin with established suites like OpenSSL speed or SUPERCOP. Define workloads, message sizes, and target platforms. Automate runs in CI for regression tracking.

Category: Getting Started

How does CryptoBench handle randomness and repeatability?

Benchmarks often use fixed inputs or deterministic modes to remove noise. They repeat runs and report statistics to increase confidence in results.

Category: Requirements

What is currently a hot topic around CryptoBench?

Measuring side-channel safety alongside speed and evaluating post-quantum algorithms under realistic workloads are key trends.

Category: Topic