What is hashing in cyber security?
Hashing is a one-way encryption method that makes it impossible to get the original input by turning it around. Hashing algorithms like
In cybersecurity, hashing utilizes a hash function to convert a given key or input into a code. The hash function creates a distinct hash value, usually much shorter than the original input, that uniquely represents the input data. To ensure that data has not been changed, altered, or distorted, hashing is used to assure data security and integrity.
Types of hashing
Hashing algorithms commonly used in cybersecurity include:
MD5 (Message Digest 5)
Various hashing algorithms, including MD5 (Message Digest 5), generate a hash value of 128 bits. It is frequently employed for data integrity checks and checksums. However, because of flaws and collision attacks, MD5 is regarded as having low security.
Family of the Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA)
There are three SHA's, described as:
SHA-1: A 160-bit hash value is generated by the widely used SHA-1 hashing algorithm.
SHA-256: SHA-256 is a member of the SHA-2 family and generates hash values that are 256 bits long.
SHA-3: The newest member of the SHA family, SHA-3 offers enhanced performance and security.
CRC32 (Cyclic Redundancy Check)
CRC32 is a hashing method that yields a hash value that is 32 bits in length. It is frequently employed for data transfer and network protocol error detection.
MurmurHash
This non-cryptographic hashing technique generates hash values that are either 32 bits or 128 bits. It is well suited for hash tables and data structures because of its speed and low collision rate.
Blake2
Blake2 is a cryptographic hashing technique that generates data with varying lengths for the hash function. Compared to earlier algorithms like MD5 and SHA-1, it is intended to be faster and more secure.
RIPEMD (RACE Integrity Primitives Evaluation Message Digest)
The RIPEMD family of cryptographic hashing algorithms generates hash values with various lengths, such as RIPEMD-128 and RIPEMD-160.
The hashing algorithms described above are just a few examples. Each algorithm has unique traits, advantages, and disadvantages. The selection of a hashing algorithm is based on the application's particular needs, such as security, speed, and hash length.
Purpose and applications of hashing in cybersecurity
The purpose of hashing in cybersecurity is to ensure data security and integrity. Here are some key purposes and applications of hashing:
Data integrity and security
Hashing confirms that data has not been damaged, altered, or tampered with.
It offers reassurance that the data's integrity has been preserved.
The security and integrity of data kept on servers and in cloud storage systems are frequently ensured by hashing.
It aids cybersecurity experts in safeguarding data against flaws and harmful applications.
The integrity of messages and message verification
Hashing gives messages integrity.
It guarantees that a message hasn't been altered while being transmitted.
One can confirm the integrity of a communication by comparing the hash value of a received message with the original hash value.
Password validation
Hashing is frequently used for both password storage and verification.
A user's password is hashed and compared to a previously saved hashed value for authentication purposes.
By ensuring that even if the password database is compromised, the original passwords are difficult to obtain, hashing passwords offers an extra degree of security.
File integrity and tampering prevention
Hashing is a technique used to protect files against manipulation and maintain their integrity.
One can tell if a file has been tampered with by comparing the hash value of the file before and after transmission or storage.
Hashing is frequently used to prevent unauthorized file changes and ensure they haven't been corrupted.
Message integrity and verification, password verification, file integrity and tamper protection, and blockchain technology are just a few of the applications where hashing is applied.
Hashing vs. encryption
Hashing and encryption are crucial concepts in cybersecurity but have different functions and purposes. The main differences between hashing and encryption are:
Hashing | Encryption |
Hashing is a one-way process that changes data into a message digest or hash value that is irreversible. | Encryption is a two-way process that encodes data for the primary purpose of maintaining data confidentiality and security. |
The purpose of hashing is to maintain data integrity and authenticity. | Encryption requires a private key to reversible function encrypted text to plain text. |
Hashing is used to validate the integrity of the content by detecting all modifications and changes to a hash output. | The purpose of encryption is to protect data while in transit. |
Hashing is used to store passwords for login. | Encryption scrambles data that can be decoded with a key. |
Hashing is used to index and retrieve items from a database. | Encryption is used to secure sensitive data as well as general online traffic. |
Examples of hashing algorithms are MD5 and SHA256. | Examples of encryption algorithms are RSA, AES, and Blowfish. |
Conclusion
Hashing is a cybersecurity technique that converts data into a fixed-length hash value for various functions, including data integrity, password storage, and message authentication. It offers security by confirming data integrity, avoiding tampering, and guaranteeing message authenticity. Hashing algorithms such as MD5, SHA, and CRC32 produce unique hash values that are irreversible, ensuring the integrity and security of the original data.
