Why do we need Hashing?
The technique of transforming a given key into another value is known as hashing. The new value is produced using a hash function in accordance with a mathematical method. A hash value or simply a hash is the output of a hash algorithm.
Data is transformed through the process of hashing into a fixed-size representation known as a hash. It is a key idea in computer science and has several uses, including data structures, cryptography, and even computer graphics.
For data storage and retrieval, hashing is one of the key reasons we need it. We frequently use hashing to generate a special identification for each piece of data when we wish to put it in a database or other data structure. This saves us from having to manually look through every piece of data when we need to get it fast and effectively.
Security is a further reason why hashing is necessary. Since hashing techniques are one-way functions, it is highly challenging to reconstruct the original data from the hash value. As a result, hashing is a useful method for storing passwords and other sensitive data since it makes sure that the information cannot be quickly read or compromised.
Numerous additional applications, including load balancing, data integrity checks, and digital signatures, also employ hashing. In these scenarios, hashing enables us to equitably distribute tasks over a network or to confirm the validity and integrity of data.
Overall, hashing is a fundamental tool in computer science that has a wide range of real-world applications. It has evolved into a crucial component of many contemporary technologies because it enables effective data storage, retrieval, and security.
Hashing Algorithms
Hashing algorithms come in a wide variety, each with a unique set of traits and advantages. Some common types of hashing algorithms include:
- Message Digest (MD) algorithms: These are commonly used for creating a hash value for a message or piece of data. Examples include MD5 and SHA-1.
- Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) algorithms: These are commonly used for error detection in data transmission and storage. Examples include CRC-32 and CRC-64.
- Secure Hash Algorithms (SHA): These are a family of hashing algorithms developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for use in cryptography. Examples include SHA-2 and SHA-3.
- Keyed Hash Algorithms: These are hashing algorithms that use a secret key in addition to the data being hashed, to create a unique hash value. Examples include HMAC and PBKDF2.
An essential quality of a successful hashing algorithm is that it should generate a distinct hash value for each item of data, making it simple to differentiate one piece of data from another. In cases when two bits of data yield the same hash value, collision attacks should also be resistant to hashing methods.
Difference between Hashing and Encryption
Both hashing and encryption are techniques for changing the shape of data, but they have distinct functions and important distinctions.
Hashing is a one-way process of converting data into a fixed-size representation called a hash. Since hashing techniques are one-way functions, it is highly challenging to reconstruct the original data from the hash value.
On the other hand, encryption is a two-way process that transforms data into a format that can only be read by a person with the right decryption key. Data confidentiality is primarily protected by encryption, which renders data unintelligible to those who lack the necessary key. With the right decryption key, the original data can be restored thanks to the reversibility of encryption techniques.
Hashing and encryption differ significantly in that encryption is a two-way process, whereas hashing is a one-way process. This indicates that while the original material cannot be recovered from a hash value, it may be recovered from an encrypted message with the right decryption key. Another difference is that hashing is mainly used for tasks such as data storage and retrieval, or verifying the integrity of data, while encryption is mainly used for protecting the confidentiality of data.
In conclusion, while both hashing and encryption are techniques for changing the shape of data, they serve distinct functions and have important distinctions. While encryption is a two-way procedure used to preserve the secrecy of data, hashing is a one-way technique used for activities like data storage and retrieval.
Publish date: 25 December 2022
References:
- https://chat.openai.com/
- https://midjourney.com/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptographic_hash_function
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/hashing-algorithm
- https://www.okta.com/identity-101/password-encryption/
- shorturl.at/htyQY
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