Building PRFs from PRPs

Abstract

We evaluate constructions for building pseudo-random functions (PRFs) from pseudo-random permutations (PRPs). We present two constructions: a slower construction which preserves the security of the PRP and a faster construction which has less security. One application of our construction is to build a wider block cipher given a block cipher as a building tool. We do not require any additional constructions—e.g. pseudo-random generators—to create the wider block cipher. The security of the resulting cipher will be as strong as the original block cipher.