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A Beginner’s Guide to Encryption Algorithms

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By mvryo

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash


In today’s world, securing data is a top priority, and encryption algorithms play a crucial role in this process. Encryption is essentially the method of converting data into a form that unauthorized parties cannot understand. If you’re just starting out, this guide will introduce you to some of the most popular encryption algorithms, where and when to use them, and provide Kotlin code examples for each.

What are Encryption Algorithms?

Encryption algorithms are mathematical formulas used to transform readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext) and vice versa (decryption). The goal is to ensure that sensitive information remains confidential and secure during transmission or storage.

Where, When, and Why to Use Encryption Algorithms

Where to Use:

  • Data Transmission: When data is transmitted over a network (e.g., sending emails or communicating via messaging apps), encryption protects the data from being intercepted and read by unauthorized users.
  • Data Storage: Encryption is also used to protect data stored on devices, servers, or cloud services.
  • User Authentication: Passwords, tokens, and other authentication mechanisms rely on encryption to prevent unauthorized access.

When to Use:

  • Sensitive Data: Any time you’re handling personal, financial, medical, or confidential business data.
  • Regulated Industries: Encryption is often required by law in industries like healthcare, finance, and e-commerce to comply with privacy and data protection regulations.

Why Use Encryption:

  • Confidentiality: Encryption ensures that only authorized individuals can access the data.
  • Integrity: It prevents unauthorized users from tampering with data.
  • Authentication: Encryption helps verify the identity of users and systems.

Common Types of Encryption Algorithms

  1. Symmetric Encryption: Same key is used for both encryption and decryption.
  2. Asymmetric Encryption: Uses a pair of keys — one for encryption (public key) and one for decryption (private key).
  3. Hash Functions: Converts data into a fixed-size hash value; not meant for decryption.

Asymmetric Encryption Algorithms

Asymmetric encryption is slower but more secure for certain tasks like key exchange, digital signatures, and secure communications. Below is a list of some well-known asymmetric-key algorithms:

  • Diffie–Hellman key exchange protocol: Primarily used for securely exchanging cryptographic keys over a public channel.
  • DSS (Digital Signature Standard): Incorporates the Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA) for digital signatures.
  • ElGamal: Used in encryption and digital signatures, based on the Diffie–Hellman protocol.
  • Elliptic-curve cryptography (ECC): Used for more efficient cryptographic keys in smaller sizes, commonly in mobile devices.
  • Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA): A variant of the DSA using elliptic curves.
  • Elliptic-curve Diffie–Hellman (ECDH): An efficient key exchange mechanism based on elliptic curve cryptography.
  • Ed25519 and Ed448 (EdDSA): High-performance algorithms for digital signatures.
  • X25519 and X448 (ECDH/EdDH): High-efficiency algorithms for key exchange.
  • Password-authenticated key agreement techniques: Methods like PAKE ensure that only users with the correct password can establish secure communication.
  • Paillier cryptosystem: A probabilistic asymmetric algorithm, typically used in secure voting and privacy-preserving applications.
  • RSA encryption algorithm (PKCS#1): One of the most popular and well-known asymmetric encryption algorithms.
  • Cramer–Shoup cryptosystem: A practical cryptosystem that provides security against adaptive chosen ciphertext attacks.
  • YAK authenticated key agreement protocol: A modern, authenticated key agreement method.

Symmetric Encryption Algorithms

Symmetric encryption is fast and is typically used for encrypting large volumes of data. Below is a list of some well-known symmetric-key algorithms:

  • AES (Rijndael): A widely-used and highly secure encryption algorithm for various applications, including data storage and transmission.
  • Twofish: Known for its flexibility and performance, and a finalist in the AES competition.
  • Serpent: Another AES finalist, designed for strong security.
  • Camellia: Suitable for both software and hardware implementations.
  • Salsa20 and ChaCha20: Fast and secure stream ciphers, often used in applications like VPNs and secure messaging.
  • Blowfish: A fast, general-purpose encryption algorithm.
  • CAST5: Used in some standards like PGP.
  • Kuznyechik: A Russian block cipher used for data encryption.
  • RC4: A stream cipher that was widely used but has been deprecated due to vulnerabilities.
  • DES (Data Encryption Standard): One of the earliest encryption algorithms, now considered insecure.
  • 3DES (Triple DES): A more secure version of DES but still considered outdated.
  • Skipjack: Used in government applications.
  • Safer: A block cipher that has been used in various encryption standards.
  • IDEA (International Data Encryption Algorithm): Known for its use in PGP.

Hash Functions

Hash functions are a different category of cryptographic algorithms. They are primarily used for verifying the integrity of data, generating digital signatures, and password hashing. Below is a list of some well-known hash algorithms:

Popular Hash Algorithms:

  • BLAKE2b, BLAKE2s, BLAKE3: Modern and efficient hash functions, faster than MD5 and SHA.
  • GOST: A Soviet Union standard for cryptographic hashing.
  • HAVAL: A variable-length, hash-function used in security protocols.
  • MD2, MD4, MD5: Older, now insecure hash functions that were once widely used.
  • PANAMA, RadioGatún: Cryptographic primitives used for hashing and stream ciphers.
  • RIPEMD: A family of cryptographic hash functions including RIPEMD-128, RIPEMD-160, RIPEMD-256, and RIPEMD-320.
  • SHA-0, SHA-1: Early versions of the Secure Hash Algorithm, now considered insecure.
  • SHA-2: A set of more secure hash algorithms, including SHA-224, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512.
  • SHA-3: The latest member of the Secure Hash Algorithm family, including variants like SHA3–224, SHA3–256, SHA3–384, and SHA3–512.
  • Tiger(2)-192/160/128: Designed for fast performance on 64-bit machines.
  • Whirlpool: A cryptographic hash function optimized for security and performance.

Conclusion

Encryption algorithms form the backbone of modern security, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected during transmission and storage. Whether you’re dealing with personal information, financial records, or confidential business data, understanding the different types of encryption and how to apply them is essential.

Symmetric encryption is fast and suitable for securing large volumes of data, while asymmetric encryption provides enhanced security for key exchanges and digital signatures. Hash functions, though not used for encryption, play a critical role in maintaining data integrity and ensuring authenticity.

By applying the right encryption algorithm based on your needs, you can effectively safeguard your data against unauthorized access, tampering, and breaches. As technology continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest cryptographic developments will help you remain ahead in the fight to keep your data secure.

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