What are the different methods of data encryption?

What are the different methods of data encryption?

There are several methods of data encryption, including symmetric encryption, asymmetric encryption, and hashing. Symmetric encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, while asymmetric encryption uses a pair of keys. Hashing transforms data into a fixed-size string of characters, which is typically used for data integrity.

Can you explain symmetric encryption in more detail?

Sure! Symmetric encryption is a method where the same key is used for both encrypting and decrypting the data. This means that both the sender and the receiver must have access to the secret key. Common algorithms include AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and DES (Data Encryption Standard). It's fast and efficient but requires secure key management.

What about asymmetric encryption?

Asymmetric encryption, also known as public-key cryptography, uses two keys: a public key and a private key. The public key is shared openly, while the private key is kept secret. Data encrypted with the public key can only be decrypted with the corresponding private key. This method enhances security, especially for key exchange.

What is hashing and how is it different from encryption?

Hashing is a one-way function that converts data into a fixed-size string of characters, which is unique to the input data. Unlike encryption, hashing is not reversible, meaning you cannot retrieve the original data from the hash. It's commonly used for verifying data integrity and storing passwords securely.