What is the difference between cryptographic hashing and checksums?

What is the difference between cryptographic hashing and checksums?

Cryptographic hashing is a process that transforms data into a fixed-size string of characters, which is unique to the input data. Checksums, on the other hand, are used to verify the integrity of data by producing a short, fixed-size value based on the data's content.

Can you give me examples of where each is used?

Sure! Cryptographic hashing is commonly used in password storage and digital signatures, while checksums are often used in data transmission to detect errors.

Are there any security concerns with using checksums?

Yes, checksums are not secure against intentional tampering, as they can be easily manipulated. Cryptographic hashes are designed to be secure and resistant to such attacks.

Which one is better for data integrity?

For data integrity, cryptographic hashing is generally better due to its security features, while checksums are more suitable for error detection in non-sensitive data.