Applications and Limitations of Diffie-Hellman algorithm

Diffie-Hellman-Algorithm is primarily a protocol that is used for key exchange. Using this interactive protocol two parties will derive a common secret key by communicating each other. The security of Diffie-Hellman algorithm is mainly based on the difficulty of computing the discrete logarithms. 

 Applications of Diffie Hellman Algorithm

Many protocol uses Diffie-Hellman algorithm to enhance security and few of them are:

1. Secure Shell (SSH): SSH is a secure network protocol that can be used to transmit files and log into distant machines. SSH uses the Diffie-Hellman algorithm to allow secure key exchange between client and server and secure data transfer.
2. Transport Layer Security (TLS) / Secure Sockets Layer (SSL): Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) are encryption protocols that are used to protect online communication. These protocols use the Diffie-Hellman algorithm to safely exchange encryption keys, preventing data manipulation and eavesdropping.
3. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): To secure communication over the internet, PKI uses a system of digital certificates, certificate authorities, and public key encryption. PKI uses the Diffie-Hellman algorithm to exchange encryption keys securely while preserving data integrity and secrecy.
4. Internet Key Exchange (IKE): IKE is a protocol that is used to establish a secure virtual private network (VPN) connection. IKE uses the Diffie-Hellman algorithm to create a secure VPN connection and securely exchange encryption keys.
5. Internet Protocol Security (IPSec): The security protocol known as Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) is used to protect online communication. IPSec uses the Diffie-Hellman algorithm to exchange encryption keys securely while preserving the confidentiality and integrity of data transmission.

Limitations of Diffie Hellman Algorithm

The following are the limitations of Diffie-Hellman algorithm:

1. Lack of authentication procedure.
2. Algorithm can be used only for symmetric key exchange.
3. As there is no authentication involved, it is vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attack.
4. As it is computationally intensive, it is expensive in terms of resources and CPU performance time.
5. Encryption of information cannot be performed with the help of this algorithm.
6. Digital signature cannot be signed using Diffie-Hellman algorithm.