Differences Hashing/Encoding/Encryption¶
In information security, it is essential to distinguish between hashing, encoding, and encryption, as all three processes transform data but serve different purposes and possess distinct properties.
- Hashing is the process of converting data into a fixed-size value (hash value or digest) that uniquely represents the original data. Even the smallest change in the input will result in a significantly different hash value. This process is one-way, meaning it cannot be reversed to recover the original data. Hashing is primarily used for verifying data integrity and authentication.
- Encoding is the transformation of data from one format to another to ensure compatibility or enable transfer across different systems. Examples include UTF-8, UTF-16, ASCII, as well as non-language-specific encodings such as Base64 and Base32. The process is reversible and does not provide security, since anyone with the appropriate tools can decode the data.
- Encryption is the process of transforming data using a cryptographic algorithm (cipher) and a key to protect confidentiality. The process is reversible, but only if the correct key is available and the algorithm used is known.
