Randomized nonlinear software-oriented MDS diffusion layers

Abstract MDS diffusion layers are critical components in the design of symmetric ciphers. In this paper, after introducing some new algebraic structures, we provide new MDS matrices over special types of R-modules. With the help of the proposed methodology, we have more flexibility in designing software-oriented diffusion layers. Most notably, we construct randomized and/or nonlinear MDS diffusion layers, based upon the presented theoretical results, and discuss the resistance of the presented diffusion layers against various kinds of cryptanalysis, compared with classical linear diffusion layers.