Describing a hash algorithm
In order to securely exchange data, we use more than just encryption algorithms, we also use cryptographic tools, techniques, and protocols.
Symmetric and asymmetric encryption ensures confidentiality by scrambling data into an unreadable form. The message won't mean anything to anyone unless they have the key. With the key, we can decrypt the data so that it makes sense.
Along with encryption, another important cryptographic technique is hashing. In this section, we'll outline what it means to create a hash of a message, and see what characteristics make a hash of a message different from encrypting a message. We'll also review the many uses for a hash algorithm.
Let's start with learning how a hash is created.
Creating a hash
Encryption uses a key or pair of keys. When we encrypt a message, we can decrypt the message as long as we have the key. A hash is different in that it is one-way. You cannot generate the original...
