Certainly! Applied cryptography involves the use of cryptographic techniques to solve real-world problems and secure various applications.
Encryption and Decryption:
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- Definition: Encryption is the process of converting plaintext into ciphertext using an algorithm and a key. Decryption is the reverse process of converting ciphertext back to plaintext using the key.
- Application: Used to secure communication over the internet, such as in HTTPS for secure web browsing.
- Digital Signatures:
- Definition: Digital signatures provide a way to verify the authenticity and integrity of a message or document. It involves using a private key to sign the message, and others can use the corresponding public key to verify the signature.
- Application: Ensures the integrity and authenticity of software updates, emails, and online transactions.
- Hash Functions:
- Definition: Hash functions take input data and produce a fixed-size string of characters, which is typically a hash value.
- Application: Storing passwords securely, verifying the integrity of data, and creating checksums for file verification.
- Public Key Infrastructure (PKI):
- Definition: PKI is a framework that manages digital keys and certificates. It includes a certificate authority (CA) that verifies the identities of entities and issues digital certificates.
- Application: Used in secure communication protocols like SSL/TLS, enabling secure online transactions.
- Cryptographic Protocols:
- Definition: Cryptographic protocols are sets of rules for securely transmitting data between parties. Examples include SSL/TLS for secure communication over the web and IPsec for securing network communication.
- Application: Ensuring secure communication in various networked environments.
- Secure Multi-Party Computation (SMPC):
- Definition: SMPC allows parties to jointly compute a function over their inputs while keeping those inputs private. It ensures that no individual party learns more information than they should.
- Application: Used in scenarios where multiple parties need to collaborate on computations without revealing sensitive information.
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies:
- Definition: Blockchain technology uses cryptographic techniques to secure transactions and control the creation of new units in a decentralized and tamper-resistant manner.
- Application: Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum use blockchain and cryptographic techniques for secure and transparent transactions.