Cryptography

Overview

Cryptography ensures secure communication and data protection.

Encryption Methods

Symmetric Encryption

• Definition: Uses same key for encryption and decryption
• Common Algorithms:
  • AES (128/256-bit)
  • DES/3DES (legacy)
  • ChaCha20
• Use Cases: File encryption, secure communications
• Advantages: Fast, efficient for large data
• Disadvantages: Key distribution challenges

Pro Tip

AES-256 is the current industry standard for symmetric encryption.

Asymmetric Encryption

• Definition: Uses public/private key pairs
• Common Algorithms:
  • RSA (2048/4096-bit)
  • ECC (Elliptic Curve)
  • DSA (Digital Signature)
• Use Cases: Digital signatures, key exchange
• Advantages: Secure key exchange, digital signatures
• Disadvantages: Slower than symmetric encryption

Hashing

• Common Algorithms:
  • SHA-256/512
  • Blake2/Blake3
  • Argon2 (password hashing)
• Use Cases: Password storage, integrity verification
• Properties:
  • One-way function
  • Deterministic
  • Avalanche effect

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