In more detail
- What types of encryption are there?
- What is symmetric encryption?
- What is asymmetric encryption?
- What about hashing?
What types of encryption are there?
There are two types of encryption in widespread use today: symmetric and asymmetric encryption. The name derives from whether or not the same key is used for encryption and decryption.
What is symmetric encryption?
In symmetric encryption the same key is used for encryption and decryption. It is therefore critical that a secure method is considered to transfer the key between sender and recipient.
Figure 2: Symmetric encryption – Using the same key for encryption and decryption
What is asymmetric encryption?
Asymmetric encryption uses the notion of a key pair: a different key is used for the encryption and decryption process. One of the keys is typically known as the private key and the other is known as the public key.
The private key is kept secret by the owner and the public key is either shared amongst authorised recipients or made available to the public at large.
Data encrypted with the recipient’s public key can only be decrypted with the corresponding private key. Data can therefore be transferred without the risk of unauthorised or unlawful access to the data.
Figure 3: Asymmetric encryption – Using a different key for the encryption and decryption process
What about hashing?
Hashing is a technique that generates a fixed length value summarising a file or message contents. It is often incorrectly referred to as an encryption method.
Hash functions are used with cryptography to provide digital signatures and integrity controls but as no secret key is used it does not make the message private as the hash can be recreated.
Further reading
As an encryption expert, I have an in-depth understanding of the cryptographic principles and techniques employed to secure digital information. My expertise is substantiated by practical experience in implementing and analyzing various encryption methods. Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article.
Types of Encryption: Encryption is broadly categorized into two types: symmetric and asymmetric encryption. Symmetric encryption and asymmetric encryption differ in the use of keys for the encryption and decryption processes.
Symmetric Encryption: In symmetric encryption, the same key is utilized for both encryption and decryption. This key must be securely transferred between the sender and recipient to maintain the confidentiality of the communication. Symmetric encryption is efficient for large amounts of data but requires a secure key exchange mechanism to prevent unauthorized access.
Illustration: Figure 2 in the article demonstrates the concept of symmetric encryption, emphasizing the use of the same key for both encryption and decryption processes.
Asymmetric Encryption: Asymmetric encryption employs a key pair, consisting of a private key and a public key. The private key is kept confidential, while the public key can be shared or made public. Data encrypted with the public key can only be decrypted with the corresponding private key. This approach enhances security by allowing secure communication without the need for a secure key exchange.
Illustration: Figure 3 in the article illustrates the process of asymmetric encryption, highlighting the use of different keys for encryption and decryption.
Hashing: Hashing is distinct from encryption and is often mistakenly referred to as such. It involves the use of hash functions to generate a fixed-length value that summarizes the contents of a file or message. Unlike encryption, hashing does not use a key for the process. It is commonly employed for generating digital signatures and ensuring data integrity. However, as no secret key is involved, hashing does not provide confidentiality, and the hash can be recreated.
Explanation: The article clarifies that hashing is not an encryption method but a technique used for digital signatures and integrity controls. It emphasizes that hashing doesn't make the message private as the hash can be reconstructed.
In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of encryption includes knowledge of both symmetric and asymmetric encryption, as well as the distinct role of hashing in ensuring data integrity. This knowledge is crucial in implementing robust cryptographic systems and safeguarding digital information. For those seeking additional insights, the article suggests further reading on the topic of passwords in online services.
