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For cyber security gurus and novices alike, hashing can be a tricky concept. However, understanding this technique is critical for safeguarding sensitive information. So, what is hashing in cyber security, and why does it matter for modern businesses?
Hashing is a process where data of any size is transformed into a fixed-size string of characters, typically a sequence of numbers and letters. This transformation is achieved through a mathematical algorithm known as a hash function. The resulting output, called a hash value or digest, is unique to the original data, meaning that even the smallest change in the input will produce a totally different hash.
If you’ve ever confused hashing with encryption, you’re not alone. But these processes, while similar, serve different purposes. Hashing is a one-way process that converts data into a fixed-size hash value, which cannot be reversed to reveal the original data.
Encryption is a two-way process that encodes data into a ciphertext that can only be decrypted back into its original form using a special key. Encryption ensures the confidentiality of data during transmission and storage.
Still having trouble visualizing the concept of hashing? Consider an example where you create an online account with the password “Secure123.” Instead of storing “Secure123” directly, the website will use a hash function to convert this password into a hash value, like “5d41402abc4b2a764948r039041c592.”
It sounds like complete nonsense, right? That’s more or less the point. Hackers that enter the database will only see the hash value, not the associated password, making it much harder for them to breach your account.
Hashing can be used in many different ways for myriad reasons, but here are some of the most common use cases.
Strong passwords are an integral component of cyber security and compliance management, and hashing allows users to secure their passwords to the greatest extent possible. When a user logs into their account, the system hashes the entered password and compares it to the stored hash. If they match, the user is authenticated.
When combined with techniques like salting, where a unique random value is added to each password, hashing provides an extra layer of security by preventing attackers from using precomputed tables to crack passwords.
Data is particularly vulnerable when transmitted over networks or stored in sketchy environments. For example, when you download software or a large file, the provider often supplies a hash value alongside the download. After downloading, you can use a hashing tool to generate the hash value of the downloaded file and compare it to the hash given.
If the values match, you can be confident that the file has not been tampered with during transmission. This method is commonly used in software distribution to ensure users receive an authentic, unaltered software package. In cases where files are altered––even slightly––the hash value changes, alerting the user to potential issues like corruption or malicious modification.
Digital signatures rely heavily on hashing to provide a secure and verifiable way to authenticate digital documents and messages. When you sign a digital document, its content is hashed, creating a unique value to represent the document. The hash is then encrypted with the sender’s private key, and thus the digital signature is born.
This signature, along with the original document, is sent to the recipient. To verify the signature, the recipient decrypts it using the sender’s public key. This reveals the original hash. Next, the recipient hashes the document and compares it to the encrypted hash. If the hashes match, they can assume the document is authentic and unchanged.
Expected to be worth $248.9 billion by 2029, the global blockchain market is growing at a substantial rate, and that growth necessitates a few foundational technologies. Hashing is one of them. In a blockchain, transactions are grouped into blocks, and each block contains a hash of the previous block, creating a secure and immutable chain of records.
This chaining ensures that, once a block is added to the blockchain, it cannot be altered without changing all subsequent blocks, which would require a nearly impossible amount of computational power. And no one wants to do that. This makes tampering a practical improbability.
Before diving into the world of hashing, it’s important to understand exactly what hashing in cyber security is and how you can align with best practices. Here are some key tips for getting started with the process.
Selecting the appropriate hashing algorithm is crucial, as different algorithms are suited for different tasks. MD5 and SHA-1, once popular, are now considered insecure due to vulnerabilities that allow for collision attacks, where two different inputs produce the same hash value.
SHA-256, part of the SHA-2 family, is currently one of the most widely recommended algorithms for general use due to its strong security properties. However, for password hashing, it’s better to use algorithms specifically designed for that purpose, such as bcrypt, Argon2, or PBKDF2.
Practice makes perfect. To refine your hashing technique, start by working on small projects, such as creating a simple password manager that securely hashes and stores passwords. You can also experiment with file integrity checks by writing scripts that generate and compare hash values for files.
Always be sure to test and validate your hashing process. See that your code can handle edge cases correctly and securely. Use tools and techniques like fuzz testing to find potential vulnerabilities in your implementation. Consider peer reviews or third-party audits of your code, especially for the most critical applications.
So what is hashing in cyber security? In summary, it’s a secure process for converting data into fixed-size values. It allows for one-way encryption and makes it extremely difficult for hackers to gain access to sensitive information. But hashing is just one element of cyber security––to really be on top of your game, you need a comprehensive compliance solution. With Compyl, you can not only protect private information but meet all regulatory requirements. Contact us to see how we can contribute to your company’s cyber security program.
