{"id":4702,"date":"2023-01-16T08:58:36","date_gmt":"2023-01-16T08:58:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/?p=4702"},"modified":"2023-08-31T10:20:24","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T10:20:24","slug":"guide-crypto-algorithm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/guide-crypto-algorithm\/","title":{"rendered":"Detailed Introduction to Crypto Algorithms"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_56_1 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/guide-crypto-algorithm\/#Two_main_types_of_crypto_algorithms\" title=\"Two main types of crypto algorithms\">Two main types of crypto algorithms<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/guide-crypto-algorithm\/#1_Symmetric_algorithms\" title=\"1) Symmetric algorithms\">1) Symmetric algorithms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/guide-crypto-algorithm\/#2_Asymmetric_algorithms\" title=\"2) Asymmetric algorithms\">2) Asymmetric algorithms<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/guide-crypto-algorithm\/#A_crypto_algorithm_typically_consists_of_three_steps\" title=\"A crypto algorithm typically consists of three steps\">A crypto algorithm typically consists of three steps<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/guide-crypto-algorithm\/#Step_1_Key_generation\" title=\"Step 1: Key generation\">Step 1: Key generation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/guide-crypto-algorithm\/#Step_2_Encryption\" title=\"Step 2: Encryption\">Step 2: Encryption<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/guide-crypto-algorithm\/#Step_3_Decryption\" title=\"Step 3: Decryption\">Step 3: Decryption<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/guide-crypto-algorithm\/#Functions_and_applications_of_cryptographic_algorithms\" title=\"Functions and applications of cryptographic algorithms\">Functions and applications of cryptographic algorithms<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/guide-crypto-algorithm\/#Secure_communication\" title=\"Secure communication\">Secure communication<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/guide-crypto-algorithm\/#Digital_signatures\" title=\"Digital signatures\">Digital signatures<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/guide-crypto-algorithm\/#Secure_key_exchange\" title=\"Secure key exchange\">Secure key exchange<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/guide-crypto-algorithm\/#Encryption_of_stored_data\" title=\"Encryption of stored data\">Encryption of stored data<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/guide-crypto-algorithm\/#Secure_payment\" title=\"Secure payment\">Secure payment<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p id=\"a-crypto-algorithm-also-known-as-a-cipher-is-a-mathematical-algorithm-that-is-used-to-encrypt-and-decrypt-data-the-purpose-of-a-crypto-algorithm-is-to-provide-a-secure-way-to-transmit-or-store-sensitive-information-such-as-passwords-credit-card-numbers-or-confidential-business-documents\">A crypto algorithm, also known as a cipher, is a mathematical algorithm that is used to encrypt and decrypt data. The purpose of a crypto algorithm is to provide a secure way to transmit or store sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or confidential business documents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cryptographic algorithms are used in a wide range of applications, including secure communication, digital signatures, and secure key exchange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"two-main-types-of-crypto-algorithms\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Two_main_types_of_crypto_algorithms\"><\/span>Two main types of crypto algorithms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-symmetric-algorithms\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Symmetric_algorithms\"><\/span>1) Symmetric algorithms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A symmetric algorithm uses the same key for both encryption and decryption. The sender and the receiver must both have a copy of the same secret key. Examples of symmetric algorithms include AES, DES and Blowfish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-asymmetric-algorithms\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Asymmetric_algorithms\"><\/span>2) Asymmetric algorithms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Asymmetric algorithms use a pair of keys, one for encryption and one for decryption. The encryption key is made public, and the decryption key is kept secret. Asymmetric algorithms are also known as public key algorithms. Examples of asymmetric algorithms include RSA, ECDSA and EdDSA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-nv-site-bg-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">\ud83d\udd2e <strong>Explore<\/strong> \ud83d\udc40 <a href=\"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/nodejs-crypto-module\/(opens in a new tab)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Complete Guide to Node.js Crypto Module<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-crypto-algorithm-typically-consists-of-three-steps\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_crypto_algorithm_typically_consists_of_three_steps\"><\/span>A crypto algorithm typically consists of three steps<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"step-1-key-generation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Key_generation\"><\/span>Step 1: Key generation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step is to generate a key or a pair of keys. The key is used to encrypt and decrypt the data. The key generation process should be random, to ensure that the key is unique and unpredictable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"step-2-encryption\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Encryption\"><\/span>Step 2: Encryption<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The second step is to encrypt the data. The encryption process uses the key to transform the plaintext into ciphertext. The ciphertext is unreadable and cannot be understood without the key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"step-3-decryption\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Decryption\"><\/span>Step 3: Decryption<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The final step is to decrypt the data. The decryption process uses the key to transform the ciphertext back into plaintext.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-nv-site-bg-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">\ud83d\udccc <strong>Bookmark this<\/strong> \ud83d\udccc <a href=\"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/createdecipheriv-method-node-js-crypto\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What is the createDecipheriv() method in Node.js crypto?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"functions-and-applications-of-cryptographic-algorithms\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Functions_and_applications_of_cryptographic_algorithms\"><\/span>Functions and applications of cryptographic algorithms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cryptographic algorithms have various functions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the main functions is to ensure <strong>Confidentiality<\/strong>, which means that the data is only readable by the intended recipient. Another function is to ensure <strong>Integrity<\/strong>, which means that the data has not been tampered with during transmission. Lastly, <strong>Authenticity<\/strong>, which means that the data comes from a trusted source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, they are used in a wide range of real-life applications to provide security and privacy for sensitive information. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"secure-communication\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Secure_communication\"><\/span>Secure communication<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most common uses of a crypto algorithm is to secure communication between two parties. For example, when you visit a website that uses the HTTPS protocol, your browser uses a symmetric encryption algorithm (such as AES) to encrypt the data that is sent between your computer and the website&#8217;s server. This ensures that the data is secure and private, and can only be read by the intended recipient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"digital-signatures\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Digital_signatures\"><\/span>Digital signatures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Digital signatures are used to ensure the authenticity and integrity of a message or document. For example, when you digitally sign a PDF document, your computer uses an asymmetric encryption algorithm (such as RSA) to generate a digital signature. The recipient can then use your public key to verify the signature and ensure that the document has not been tampered with and that it comes from a trusted source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"secure-key-exchange\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Secure_key_exchange\"><\/span>Secure key exchange<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cryptographic algorithms are also used to securely exchange keys between two parties. For example, when you establish a VPN connection, your computer uses a Diffie-Hellman key exchange algorithm to securely exchange a symmetric encryption key with the VPN server. This ensures that the key is secure and private, and can only be read by the intended recipient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"encryption-of-stored-data\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Encryption_of_stored_data\"><\/span>Encryption of stored data<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A crypto algorithm is also used to encrypt data that is stored on disk or in a database. For example, when you use a disk encryption software like <a href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/windows\/security\/information-protection\/bitlocker\/bitlocker-overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">BitLocker<\/a>, it uses AES algorithm to encrypt your data and protect it from unauthorized access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"secure-payment\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Secure_payment\"><\/span>Secure payment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cryptographic algorithms are also used in payment systems to ensure the security and privacy of sensitive information such as credit card numbers. For example, when you make a purchase online, your credit card information is encrypted using an RSA algorithm before it is sent to the merchant&#8217;s server.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are just a few examples of how cryptographic algorithms are used in real-life applications to provide security and privacy for sensitive information. The use cases are wide and varied, and the technology continues to evolve to meet the ever-increasing need for secure communication and data protection.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":4710,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[292],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4702","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-answers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4702","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4702"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4702\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6806,"href":"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4702\/revisions\/6806"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4710"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4702"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4702"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/metaschool.so\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4702"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}