How are bitwise operations used in cryptography with Python?

How are bitwise operations used in cryptography with Python?

Bitwise operations are crucial in cryptography for tasks like encryption and hashing. They allow for efficient manipulation of binary data.

Can you give me an example of a bitwise operation in a cryptographic context?

Sure! For instance, the XOR operation is commonly used in symmetric encryption algorithms to combine plaintext with a key.

How does the XOR operation enhance security?

XOR provides confusion and diffusion in encryption. If the key is random and kept secret, it makes the ciphertext unpredictable.

Are there any libraries in Python that simplify these operations?

Yes, libraries like PyCryptodome and hashlib provide functions for bitwise operations and cryptographic algorithms.