- Cryptography protects information using mathematical techniques.
- There are different types: symmetric, asymmetric and hash functions.
- It is used in banking, email, VPN networks, and cryptocurrencies.
- Threats include brute force attacks and use of weak passwords.
cryptography It is one of the most fundamental disciplines in the digital world and computer security. From password encryption to banking data protection, its application is ubiquitous. However, despite its importance, many people are unaware of how it works and the different techniques it encompasses.
In this article, we'll explore in-depth what cryptography is, its different types, how it protects information, and its applications in everyday life. We'll also look at some of the main cryptographic algorithms and how they are used to ensure data security in an increasingly digital world.
What is cryptography?
Cryptography is the science that studies the coding techniques to protect information. Its main objective is to ensure that data only be accessible to authorized persons, preventing them from being read or modified by unauthorized third parties. This discipline is based on mathematical principles and in the application of encryption algorithms that transform readable text into unintelligible code.
The term cryptography comes from the Greek kryptos (hidden) and graphin (writing), reflecting its purpose of hiding information so that only those with the proper key can access it.
Main objectives of cryptography
Cryptographic systems are designed to meet several requirements. fundamental principles of security:
- Confidentiality: Ensures that information can only be read by authorized persons.
- Integrity: Prevents data from being modified in an unauthorized manner.
- Authentication: It allows to verify the identity of the users who access the information.
- I do not repudiate: Prevents a person from denying having performed a certain action, such as sending an encrypted message.
Cryptography types
There are different approaches in cryptography, each with its own characteristics and applications. Below, we analyze the most important ones.
Symmetric cryptography
In this type of cryptography a single key is used key to encrypt and decrypt information. Both the sender and the receiver must share the same key, which poses the challenge of transmit it safely.
Some popular symmetric cryptography algorithms are:
- AES (Advanced Encryption Standard): One of the most secure and widely used algorithms currently.
- DES (Data Encryption Standard): An older standard, currently deprecated due to its vulnerability.
- Blowfish: A fast and secure algorithm, used in various applications.
Asymmetric cryptography
Also known as cryptography public key, in this method two different but mathematically related keys are used: a public key to encrypt the information and a private key to decrypt it. This offers greater security and is widely used in secure communications.
Some asymmetric cryptography algorithms include:
- RSA: Based on the factorization of prime numbers, it is one of the most widely used systems.
- Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC): It offers the same security as RSA, but with smaller keys.
- Diffie-Hellman: It is primarily used for secure key exchange.
Hash Functions
Hash functions do not use keys, but generate a single summary of the input data. They are essential to verify the data integrity and are used in digital signatures and secure password storage.
Examples of hash functions include:
- MD5: Formerly popular, but now considered unsafe.
- SHA-1, SHA-256: SHA family algorithms that provide greater security.
Cryptography in everyday life
Cryptography is present in many aspects of our daily lives, although we often don't notice it. Some examples of its use include:
- Email Protection: Encryption ensures that only the recipient can read the message.
- On line bank: All banking transactions use cryptography to protect financial data.
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): It is used to secure connections on public networks.
- Cryptocurrencies: Blockchain uses cryptographic algorithms to ensure the integrity of transactions.
Cryptographic threats and attacks
Despite its security, cryptography is not infallible and there are several threats:
- Brute force attacks: They consist of trying all possible combinations until the key is found.
- Known plaintext attacks: Ciphertext is analyzed along with its original version to discover the key.
- Use of weak keys: If keys are not long enough or are reused, they can be vulnerable.
Implementing good security practices, such as using strong passwords and constantly updating algorithms, is key to avoiding vulnerabilities.
Cryptography is a fundamental pillar of the digital security. Thanks to it, we guarantee the privacy, integrity, and authenticity of our communications in an increasingly connected world. Its evolution continues to be key to protecting information, especially with technological advances such as quantum computing, which could challenge many of the current standards.
