Digital Signature & Hashing Flashcards
What is a hash function?
A hash function is a one-way mathematical function used to encrypt a message to generate a cipher text.
What is the difference between encryption and hashing?
Encryption is two-way, meaning messages can be encrypted and decrypted. Hashing is only one-way, where message is encrypted.
What is a digital signature?
A digital signature is a message digest generated by a hash function, used to cryptographically sign a message. It achieves authentication, message integrity and non-repudiation.
What is a digital certificate?
A digital certificate is an electronic document issued by a certificate authority to verify the identity of the certificate holder. It proves the sender’s and receiver’s identity in a two-party communication. It contains information such as the digital signature of the certificate authority, the certificate holder’s public key, and expiry date.
What is a certificate authority?
A certificate authority is a trusted third-party agency that issues digital certificates to communicating parties and verify the identities of the parties.
