What is the Difference Between Hashing and Encrypting?

Hashing and encrypting are both data manipulation techniques, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics.

Hashing

• Hashing is a one-way process that transforms data into a fixed-length value, known as a hash, using a hash function.
• It is primarily used for authentication and ensuring data integrity.
• Examples of hashing algorithms include MD5, SHA-1, SHA-2, SHA-3, WHIRLPOOL, TIGER, and CRC32.
• Hashing is used to compare large amounts of data, map data, and create random strings to avoid duplication.
• It is considered more secure than encryption.

Encryption

• Encryption is a two-way process that involves scrambling plaintext into unreadable ciphertext, which can be decrypted with a relevant key.
• It is mainly used to protect privacy and maintain data confidentiality during data transmission.
• Examples of encryption algorithms include RSA, AES, and Blowfish.
• Encryption is used to secure correspondence, protect cloud data, and transmit financial data.
• It is considered less secure than hashing.

In summary, hashing is a one-way process used for authentication and data integrity, while encryption is a two-way process used for data privacy and confidentiality.

Comparative Table: Hashing vs Encrypting

Here is a table comparing the differences between hashing and encrypting:

In summary, hashing is a one-way process that generates a unique hash value from the input data, which is useful for data integrity and securely storing passwords. On the other hand, encryption is a two-way process that transforms data into ciphertext to ensure its confidentiality.