Encryption vs Digest in Cryptography
Last Updated :
26 Jun, 2024
Encryption and Digest algorithms are used prominently in cryptography to protect the information which is always in high demand. Both are used as protection for data, however, their roles and capabilities of use are quite varied. Encryption replaces the normal or readable form of information (plaintext) with an unreadable form (ciphertext) to maintain confidentiality, thus only hoping for parties to have access to the original information. In contrast, Digests provide a fixed size of hash value from some input data, and it is commonly used to check on integrity and authenticity.
It is important to comprehend these mechanisms to come up with better systems that minimize the risk of unauthorized access and manipulation of the sensitive information that is to be secured. In this article, we will learn about what is encryption, and digest, its features and the differences between them.
What is Encryption?
Encryption transforms information from any readable, intelligible form such as text or images into an unreadable form that is unintuitive and can't make sense without the correct key. The processing of encryption changes the state of data such that it is accessible only to users authorized to access the data and use the decryption key to gain access to the data. It shows confidentiality in information.
Features
- Confidentiality: So long as encryption is enabled, your data is safe from prying eyes as no one can access it without the decrypt key, and unsanctioned viewing of your data is eliminated.
- Reversibility: Sensitive data are reversible because encrypted data can be decrypted using a decryption key and only authenticated users will have access to them in an unencrypted form.
- Algorithm-based: Encryption simply involves the use of complex math problems (for instance: AES, RSA) and then encoding the messages meant for transmission.
- Key Dependency: The security of encryption lies on top of the encryption key thus it requires maximum security and the strongest encryption possible. It is clear that when it comes to encryption, it is necessary to have a strong, well-managed key to not lose all its essence.
- Variety of Modes: Encryption can be done in many modes, successfully making use of block cipher modes including CBC and stream ciphers including RC4 in light of different client prerequisites.
What is Digest?
A digest is also called a cryptographic hash function and is defined as a function that maps an input or a message to a string of specific size in bytes. The output they refer to as hash value or message digest holds the pattern of the data set and is mostly different for distinct inputs.
Features
- Fixed Size Output: In any case, the digest results in the output with a fixed length, which makes comparisons fast as well as convenient for storage.
- Uniqueness: It would be best if each input could generate a new hash value, facilitating the identification of changes or alterations to a data corpus.
- Irreversibility: It is exceptionally difficult and practically impossible to perform a trace directing to the input data from the hash value, and this makes the input data concealed.
- Efficiency: Digest algorithms are computationally efficient for the sake of speed since they are expected to compute quickly without significant performance degradation even if the input values are extremely big.
- Collision Resistance: When the digest algorithm is well chosen, the odds of generating the same hash value for two different inputs are low, making it easier to verify the integrity of the data.
Encryption vs Digest in Cryptography
Parameters
| Encryption
| Digest
|
|---|
Purpose
| Ensures confidentiality of data
| Verifies integrity and authenticity of data
|
Output
| Ciphertext (variable length, typically similar to input)
| Hash value (fixed length)
|
Reversibility
| Reversible with a decryption key
| Irreversible
|
Key Dependency
| Requires a key for both encryption and decryption
| No key required
|
Algorithm Examples
| AES, RSA, DES
| SHA-256, MD5, SHA-1
|
Security Dependence
| Depends on the strength and secrecy of the key
| Depends on collision resistance and algorithm strength
|
Usage
| Used to protect data in transit and at rest
| Used to verify data integrity, create digital signatures
|
Data Size Sensitivity
| Input size can be variable, and affects output size
| Input size can be variable, output size is fixed
|
Performance
| Typically slower due to complex algorithms
| Generally faster due to simpler, one-way operations
|
Collisions
| Not applicable (each encryption is unique per key)
| Should avoid collisions (same output for different inputs)
|
Confidentiality
| Provides confidentiality
| Does not provide confidentiality
|
Conclusion
In conclusion, concerning the provided information, encryption and digest algorithms belong to the basic concepts of cryptography and represent the protective and complementary features, respectively. Encryption allows only the intended recipient to access the information as it converts the original message into an unreadable format called ciphertext with the help of a key to decrypt it. Data integrity and authenticity are ensured by an SHV provided for digests. Such variations are vital when it comes to constructing secure measures against the threats posed by hackers who seek to breach security and control systems, corrupting or stealing information in the process.
Similar Reads
Knapsack Encryption Algorithm in Cryptography Knapsack Encryption Algorithm is the first general public key cryptography algorithm. It was developed by Ralph Merkle and Mertin Hellman in 1978. As it is a Public key cryptography, it needs two different keys. One is the Public key which is used for the Encryption process and the other one is the
6 min read
Cryptography Introduction Cryptography is the study and practice of techniques for secure communication in the presence of third parties called adversaries. It deals with developing and analyzing protocols that prevents malicious third parties from retrieving information being shared between two entities thereby following th
4 min read
Difference between Encryption and Cryptography Encryption and Cryptography are the two terms that are generally used in Cyber Security. Encryption is the process in which the data should be securely locked which means only authorized users access the data while cryptography is the process of securing information or data by using cryptographic al
4 min read
Cryptography and its Types Cryptography is a technique of securing information and communications using codes to ensure confidentiality, integrity and authentication. Thus, preventing unauthorized access to information. The prefix "crypt" means "hidden" and the suffix "graphy" means "writing". In Cryptography, the techniques
8 min read
What is Message and Message Digest in Cryptography? A Message is any information that flows via the network, such as files, emails, and financial transactions, from one device to another or from a set of devices. When a message is sent over a network, it must be secure to ensure that it is safe from anybody sitting in the middle listening to the conv
6 min read
Cryptography Tutorial Cryptography is a technique of securing communication by converting plain text into unintelligible ciphertext. It involves various algorithms and protocols to ensure data confidentiality, integrity, authentication, and non-repudiation. The two primary types of cryptography are symmetric key cryptogr
7 min read
Symmetric Key Cryptography Symmetrical Key Cryptography also known as conventional or single-key encryption was the primary method of encryption before the introduction of public key cryptography in the 1970s. In symmetric-key algorithms, the same keys are used for data encryption and decryption. This type of cryptography pla
11 min read
Fernet (symmetric encryption) using Cryptography module in Python Cryptography is the practice of securing useful information while transmitting from one computer to another or storing data on a computer. Cryptography deals with the encryption of plaintext into ciphertext and decryption of ciphertext into plaintext. Python supports a cryptography package that help
3 min read
Data Encryption Standard (DES) | Set 1 Data Encryption Standard (DES) is a symmetric block cipher. By 'symmetric', we mean that the size of input text and output text (ciphertext) is same (64-bits). The 'block' here means that it takes group of bits together as input instead of encrypting the text bit by bit. Data encryption standard (DE
15+ min read
How is Cryptography used in Healthcare System? Data breaches and cyber-attacks are nowadays very common phenomenon and the healthcare industry is the preferred target for cyber attackers due to the reason of having valuable and sensitive information. Cryptography comes in aid by offering standard techniques and algorithms to protect patient data
9 min read