Encryption vs Hashing | Explained by Cyber security Professional

Introduction

This tutorial explains the key differences between encryption and hashing, two fundamental concepts in cybersecurity. Understanding these concepts is crucial for developers and businesses to securely handle sensitive data and protect themselves from potential security risks.

Step 1: Understand Encryption

• Definition: Encryption is the process of converting plain text into a coded format (ciphertext) so that only authorized parties can read it.
• Purpose: The main goal of encryption is confidentiality. It ensures that data can only be accessed by those who have the decryption key.
• Types of Encryption:
  • Symmetric Encryption: The same key is used for both encryption and decryption.
  • Asymmetric Encryption: Uses a pair of keys (public and private) for encryption and decryption.

Practical Advice

• Choose strong encryption algorithms (e.g., AES, RSA) to protect your data.
• Regularly update your encryption keys to enhance security.

Step 2: Understand Hashing

• Definition: Hashing is the process of transforming data into a fixed-size string of characters, which is typically a digest that represents the original data.
• Purpose: Hashing is primarily used for data integrity. It ensures that any changes to the data can be detected by comparing the hash values.

Common Hashing Algorithms

• MD5
• SHA-1
• SHA-256

Practical Advice

• Use a strong hashing algorithm to minimize the risk of collisions (two different inputs producing the same hash).
• Always add a unique salt to the data before hashing to prevent attacks.

Step 3: Compare Encryption and Hashing

• Reversibility:

  • Encryption is reversible (can be decrypted).
  • Hashing is irreversible (cannot be converted back to original data).

• Use Cases:

  • Use encryption for data in transit (e.g., SSL/TLS for web security).
  • Use hashing for password storage and data integrity checks.

Practical Advice

• Assess your data security needs to determine when to use encryption vs. hashing.
• Avoid using outdated algorithms and keep abreast of current best practices.

Conclusion

In summary, both encryption and hashing serve distinct purposes in cybersecurity. Encryption secures data confidentiality, while hashing ensures data integrity. By understanding these concepts and implementing them correctly, you can protect sensitive information and reduce security risks. For further learning, explore the OWASP Top 10 security risks and keep your knowledge updated with current encryption and hashing standards.