Which statement describes the concept of cryptographic hashing?
Choose one of the following.
1. It verifies data integrity by creating a unique fingerprint of the data.
2. It is a reversible process that allows retrieval of the original data.
3. It encrypts data to prevent unauthorized access.
4. It is a way to compress data to save storage space.
Answer (2)
Cryptographic hashing is a process that creates a unique fingerprint of data to verify its integrity. Its primary feature is that any change in the original data results in a different hash. The correct answer to the question is option 1: 'It verifies data integrity by creating a unique fingerprint of the data.'
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The concept of cryptographic hashing is best described by option 1: It verifies data integrity by creating a unique fingerprint of the data.
Cryptographic hashing is an important concept in computing, particularly in the field of cybersecurity. A hash function takes an input (or 'message') and returns a fixed-size string of bytes. The output is typically a 'hash code', which is often represented as a sequence of letters and numbers. Here's what you need to know:
Unique Fingerprint: The main purpose of a cryptographic hash function is to ensure the integrity of data. When you hash data, you create a unique 'fingerprint' or 'hash value'. Even a tiny change to the input data will result in a completely different hash value. This property is essential for verifying that data has not been altered.
Irreversibility: Unlike encryption, hashing is a one-way process. That is, once data has been hashed, you cannot easily reverse the process to retrieve the original data. This irreversible nature helps in securing passwords or sensitive information.
Applications: Cryptographic hashing is widely used in various applications such as verifying data integrity, digital signatures, and storing passwords securely.
To give a real-world analogy, think of cryptographic hashing like a unique stamp that identifies a document. Even if one letter of the document changes, the stamp changes completely, indicating a difference from the original.
In summary, cryptographic hashing is a critical tool for ensuring data integrity by creating a distinctive hash code that represents specific data, allowing users to verify if the data has been altered in any way.
