Cryptographic Algorithms A cryptographic algorithm is a set of steps that can be used to convert plain text into cipher text. A cryptographic algorithm is also known as an encryption algorithm. A cryptographic algorithm uses an encryption key to hide the information and convert it into an unreadable format. Similarly, a decryption key can be used to convert it back into plain- readable text. Plain Text Cipher Text Encryption Decryption Cipher Text Plain Text Process of Cryptography Types of Cryptographic Algorithms To protect sensitive data and conversations, cryptography uses complex algorithms. These mathematical formulas enable the encryption, decryption, signature, and verification processes that protect secret data during transmission and storage.Major types of eryptographic algorithms 1, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a popular encryption algorithm which uses the same key for encryption and decryption It is a symmetric block cipher algorithm with block size of 128 bits, 192 bits or 256 bits. AES algorithm is widely regarded as the replacement of DES (Data encryption standard) algorithm, which we will learn more about later in this article. There are many types of AES depending on the rounds: + AES-128 uses 10 rounds + AES-192 uses 12 rounds + AES-256 uses 14 rounds more rounds there are, the safer the encryption. This is why AES-256 is considei st encryption.‘Characteristics of AES Algorithm ‘+ Versatile: I is versatile because it ean be used for both hardware and software ‘+ Wide applications: Widely adopted in various applications, including:Google Cloud, Facebook and Password managers 2. Data Encryption Standard (DES) DES is an older encryption algorithm that is used to convert 64-bit plaintext data into 48-bit encrypted ciphertext, It uses symmetric keys (which means same key for encryption and decryption). Itis kind of old by today's standard but can be used as a basi building block for learning newer encryption algorithms. Characteristics of DES + Same symmetric key: DES uses symmetric-key algorithm and therefore, encryption and decryption can be done by single key using same algorithm, ‘+ Easier Implementation: DES was designed for hardwares rather than software and shows efficiency and fast implementation in hardwares. fF technique: Transposition and substitution cipher is used: This algorithm uses cipher and substitution cipher technique technique acts as a building block for other cryptographic 3. RSAAlgorithm (Rivest, Shamir, Adleman Algorithm) So, RSA is an basic asymmetric cryptographic algorithm which uses two different keys for ‘encryption, The RSA algorithm works on a block cipher concept that converts pl cipher text and vice versa RSA algorithm is an asymmetric cryptography algorithm. Asymmetric actually a works on two different keys ic. Public Key and Private Key. As the name describes that the Public Key is given to everyone and the Private key is kept private, CCharacteristies of RSA Algorithm ‘+ Security: Many consider the RSA method to be highly secure and widely used for transmitting data Fast Speed: The RSA approach is known for its speed. Can be implemented swifly hen cryptography needs aise rent keys: In the RSA technique two separate keys are uilized for encrypting and {decrypting data. The public key is used to encrypt the information while the private key is employed for decryption. ‘+ Key exchange: With the RSA method secure exchange can be achieved, enabling two parties to swap a key without transmitting it over the network Encypton Decrpton 4. Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) SHA is used to generate unique fixed-length digital fingerprints of input data known as hhashes. SHA variations such as SHA-2 and SHA-3 are commonly used to ensure data integrity and authenticity. The tiniest change in input data drastically modifies the hash ‘output, indicating a loss of integrity. Hashing is the process of storing key value pairs with the help of a hash function into a hash table, CCharacteristies of Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) Security: The SHA 256 is highly recognized for its robust security features, among hashing algorithms. It effectively prevents collision attacks ensuring that different inputs do not produce the hash value, Websites prioritize user privacy by storing passwords in a format + One-way hashing: Using SHA algorithms for one way hashing enables the storage of information like passwords. Data hashing into a fixed length output simplifies indexing and comparisons. Even a minor change in the message results ina hash when using SHA algorithms facilitating the identification of corrupted data ‘+ Avalanche effect: A small change in the input value, even a single bit, completely changes the resultant hash value. This is called the + Variable input length and fixed output length: SHA algorithm consits of a variable input length (meaning the length of input is dynamic) and a fixed output length