I’ve organized the basic concepts about encryption, hashing, and signature:

Encryption and Decryption

  • Reversible process
  • Divided into two modes
    • Asymmetric: Two types of keys for encryption and decryption
      • Public: Key used during encryption
      • Private: Key used during decryption
    • Symmetric: Key used for encryption equals the key used for decryption
    • Symmetric encryption algorithm: AES 128 and above

Hashing

  • Irreversible (one-way) process; finding the original string from the hash is only possible through table lookup (some individuals compile tables of hash mappings online)
  • The result of hashing is consistent each time, unless a “salt” is added
  • Multiple algorithms are available, but those prone to collisions are deprecated
    • md5
    • SHA1
    • SHA256
    • SHA512

Signature

  • Method used to verify if content has been tampered with, usually utilizing asymmetric structures
    • During signing, a private key is used to create a signature value for the content
    • During verification, a public key is used to verify the content and signature value, ensuring the content has not been tampered with.

Author: Michael

LastMod: 2023-12-12

License: All rights reserved