Blowfish is renowned for its speed, owing to its 64-bit block size and key length ranging from 32 bits to 448 bits. Its design allows pre-computation of subkeys during idle periods, enhancing encryption/decryption speed during active sessions. However, Blowfish’s small block size can be a security concern in certain contexts, as it may lead to issues with identical blocks and the birthday problem.
In terms of security, Blowfish has stood up well against cryptanalysis attacks. No effective cryptanalytic attacks have been reported despite extensive scrutiny over decades. Yet, its successor Twofish, offers improved security features addressing potential vulnerabilities related to block size and complex keys.
However, Blowfish’s use in new systems is discouraged due to better alternatives like AES and Twofish. These ciphers offer larger block sizes and more robust security, making them preferable choices in modern cryptographic applications.
