Abstract
This project exploits the cryptographic and data processing capabilities of the ARMv8-A chip to produce fast and efficient encryption algorithms. Basic AES encryption and decryption algorithms are produced, and these algorithms are then utilized in more sophisticated encryption schemes. The ARM architecture is a family of instruction set architectures, all of which are RISC based. Currently, ARM is the most widely used instruction set, and can be found in devices such as televisions, computers, and mobile phones. The newest version of ARM, ARMv8-A, released in 2011, is a 64-bit architecture. Included in the ARMv8-A is a NEON SIMD engine that allows for accelerated data processing of all kinds, including AES encryption and decryption, as well as SHA- 1/SHA-2 hashing. This project uses ARM NEON intrinsics to access these data processing capabilities. The Apple A7 chip (known as Cyclone) was first released in products in 2013 and was the first ARMv8-A CPU available to consumers. The A7 chip can be found in the iPhone 5S, the iPad Air, and the iPad Mini (second generation). The iPad Air was the target for the software produced for this project, allowing the cryptographic capabilities of the ARMv8-A to be explored and exploited.