How can you use hash functions to ensure data integrity? (2024)

Hash functions are one way functions that can convert any input, such as file, message. It will convert that input into fixed length and it can't be converted back to original text.

Hashing is a one way process where using a specific algorithm such as SHA-1, SHA-224, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512 a fixed length unique hash is calculated for a unique data. Using this hash and doing a comparison by re-calculating a hash for the same data, we can check the integrity of the data set. Any modification in the data will significantly affect the calculated hash.

Funções de hash são algoritmos matemáticos que convertem dados de qualquer tamanho em um valor fixo, conhecido como hash. Essas funções garantem integridade de dados, gerando hashes únicos para conjuntos específicos de informações. Pequenas alterações nos dados resultam em hashes drasticamente diferentes, facilitando a detecção de manipulações. Essa propriedade é fundamental para garantir a integridade e autenticidade de dados em segurança da informação.

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In Cryptography, Hash functions are one way mathematical functions widely used for various cryptographic purposes, including data integrity verification, password storage, digital signatures, and more. A hash function is a specific type of function that takes an input (which could be a file, a message, or a password) and produces a fixed-size string of characters, which is typically known as a hash or digest. The output of a hash function is deterministic, meaning the same input will always produce the same output.The best example I have come across for the property of one-wayness, which makes the hash functions very useful in security is: You can make "Orange Juice"🥤 out of Oranges 🍊, but cannot make "Oranges " out of Orange Juice.

Une fonction de hachage (ou fonction de condensation en français) permet de calculer l'empreinte d'un document ou d'un message.Cette empreinte (ou hash), permet de vérifier que le document ou le message est légitime, sans même en connaître le contenu d'origine.Le hachage est très pratique pour stocker et comparer des informations sensibles telles que des mots de passe :1) l'application stocke le hash des mots de passe des utilisateurs, plutôt que les mots de passe réels ;2) lors d'une connexion utilisateur, l'application calcule le hash du mot de passe saisi et compare celui-ci au hash stocké en base.Si la base est volée, les attaquants n'auront accès qu'à des hashs et ne pourront pas retrouver les mots de passe de l'application.

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when you download a file, if the hash of the file matches the one we calculated beforehand, it's a good sign that the data has been transmitted accurately and hasn't been messed with. This technology isn't just limited to files, though. It's also super useful for protecting sensitive information like messages, passwords, and other important data.When we trust the hash, we can be confident that the data has remained unaltered and secure from any unauthorized changes. It's like a digital seal of approval that ensures our information stays safe and sound.

The provided answer is a very well explained example:Means, a match of both hashes assures users that the file is unaltered, providing confidence in its authenticity. On the contrary, a mismatch signals potential tampering or corruption, prompting caution. This verification mechanism extends beyond file downloads; hash functions are versatile tools for checking the integrity of messages, passwords, or any sensitive data, safeguarding against unauthorized alterations.

Pour utiliser une fonction de hachage et vérifier l'intégrité d'une donnée, il faut :- le hash de contrôle (ou somme de contrôle en français) ;- la donnée à contrôler.La vérification se fait en exécutant la fonction de hachage sur la donnée à contrôler, pour obtenir un hash. Ce hash est ensuite comparé au hash de contrôle.Si les valeurs sont identiques, la donnée est valide et intègre. Si les valeurs sont différentes, la donnée n'est pas valide et a sûrement été altérée.Notons qu'il faut impérativement utiliser la même fonction de hachage que celle qui a été employée pour générer la somme de contrôle, sans quoi la procédure ne donnera jamais le bon résultat.Ce dispositif est utilisé au quotidien pour les authentification web.

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A hash function verifies integrity of data by generating a fixed-size hash value based on the content. Below is the process how a data integrity is verified.1. Hash Calculation:Apply hash function to original data, producing a fixed-size hash value.2. Storage/Transmission:Store or transmit this hash value along with the original data.3. Verification:Reapply hash function to received data.4. Comparison:Compare new hash value with original hash value.5. Integrity Check:If hash values match, data integrity is verified; if they differ, data may have been altered.

a integridade dos dados ao gerar um valor de hash exclusivo com base no conteúdo dos dados. Qualquer modificação nos dados resulta em um hash diferente, alertando para possíveis alterações. Comparando o hash original com o hash recalculado, é possível identificar se os dados foram comprometidos, garantindo assim a integridade e autenticidade das informações. Essa abordagem é comumente utilizada em segurança da informação para verificar a integridade de arquivos e garantir que não foram corrompidos ou adulterados.

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Algumas funções de hash comuns incluem o MD5 (Message Digest Algorithm 5), SHA-1 (Secure Hash Algorithm 1), e SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256 bits). Esses algoritmos convertem dados em valores hash únicos, facilitando a verificação da integridade dos dados. No entanto, o MD5 e o SHA-1 são considerados menos seguros devido a vulnerabilidades conhecidas, enquanto o SHA-256 é amplamente utilizado por sua robustez e segurança.

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When identifying a hash, you should consider its length and format:MD5: 32 hexadecimal characters (128 bits)SHA-1: 40 hexadecimal characters (160 bits)SHA-256: 64 hexadecimal characters (256 bits)SHA-3-256: 64 hex characters (256 bits)CRC32: 8 hexadecimal characters (32 bits)RIPEMD-160: 40 hex characters (160 bits)MD5: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427eSHA-1: da39a3ee5e6b4b0d3255bfef95601890afd80709SHA-256: e3b0c44298fc1c149afbf4c8996fb92427ae41e4649b934ca495991b7852b855SHA-3-256:a6b5e1f2c8a98d7d08b3173b0195a98703773f19f8a8d5d8b4a682aef94c4a6aCRC32: 00000000RIPEMD-160:9c56c545074b50ac97b8d78687e47a4b1d9a85d8

Hashing is a fundamental concept in computer science and cryptography. In cybersecurity hashing is linked with Integrity. Hashing is one way procedure of generating a fixed length value (depending upon the algorithm like MD5, SHA1, SHA2, SHA3) of any given length data. Some Challenges and limitations are:- -Collision Risk (two different input produce same hash)-Non-Reversible (computationally infeasible to reverse the process)-Deterministic (if an attacker knows the input values and hash function)-Limited Range (hash Collision)-Performance Impact (computationally intensive for complex data structures or large datasets)-Security Vulnerabilities (selection of poor algorithm

Le hachage n'est qu'un outil et doit être, comme tout outil, utilisé de la manière appropriée.Ainsi, pour le hachage de mots de passe, il ne faut pas stocker uniquement le hash du mot de passe saisi, mais il faut y associer ce que l'on appelle une valeur supplémentaire qui sera unique pour chaque utilisateur, nommée salt (ou sel). Sans cela, deux utilisateurs avec le même mot de passe auront le même hash stocké en base, ce qui pourrait être dangereux en cas de vol de base de données.Comme souvent en sécurité informatique, le mieux est de ne pas réinventer la roue, et le hachage des mots de passe doit se faire via des implémentations plus sûres proposées par les cadriciels ou frameworks utilisés, et qui reposent sur le hachage.

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Use cases of Hash functions:1. Encryption: - Use Case: Password Storage - Example: Hashing passwords for secure storage, enhancing data protection.2. Authentication: - Use Case: Digital Signatures - Example: Creating digital signatures using hashed message digests for verification.3. Data Integrity: - Use Case: File Verification - Example: Verifying file integrity by comparing pre and post-transmission hash values.4. Cryptographic Nonce: - Use Case: Preventing Replay Attacks - Example: Generating unique nonces using hash functions to prevent replay attacks.5. Hash Tables: - Use Case: Efficient Data Retrieval - Example: Utilizing hash functions for indexing in hash tables, ensuring swift data access.