Cryptography Basics
⏱ Estimated reading time: 1 min
Definition:
Cryptography is the practice of securing information by converting it into a coded format that only authorized parties can read.
Key Points
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Ensures Confidentiality, Integrity, Authentication, and Non-repudiation of data
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Converts plaintext (readable data) into ciphertext (encoded data)
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Decryption reverses the process to recover the original data
Types of Cryptography
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Symmetric Key Cryptography
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Uses a single key for encryption and decryption
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Fast but key must be shared securely
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Example: AES, DES
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Asymmetric Key Cryptography
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Uses public key for encryption and private key for decryption
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More secure, slower than symmetric
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Example: RSA, ECC
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Hash Functions
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Converts data into a fixed-length hash value
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One-way function; cannot be decrypted
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Example: SHA-256, MD5
Applications
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Secure online transactions
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Email encryption
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Digital signatures
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Data integrity verification
Conclusion:
Cryptography is the foundation of secure communication in modern digital systems.
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