Android

If you’ve ever stored a password online, you’ve already relied on hashing — even if you didn’t know it. Hashing in cryptography is a fundamental security tool that turns your data into a fixed-size, irreversible code.

In this guide, we’ll unpack what hashing is, how it works, why it’s used, and the risks you need to be aware of. We’ll even look at some Kotlin code so you can see it in action.

What Is Hashing in Cryptography?

Hashing in cryptography is the process of taking any piece of data — like text, files, or numbers — and running it through a special algorithm (called a hash function) to produce a fixed-size string of characters known as a hash value or digest.

A good cryptographic hash function has four main properties:

1. Deterministic — The same input will always produce the same hash.
2. Fast computation — It should generate the hash quickly.
3. Irreversible — You cannot reconstruct the original data from the hash.
4. Collision resistance — Two different inputs shouldn’t produce the same hash.

How Hash Functions Work

Imagine hashing as a digital fingerprint for data. You input a file or message, and out pops a unique fingerprint (the hash). Even the slightest tweak to the input radically alters the fingerprint, making it easy to detect unauthorized changes.

The hash function processes input in blocks, compresses data, and applies complex transformations to generate the fixed-length hash. Popular algorithms include SHA-256, SHA-512, MD5 (though this is now weak and not recommended), and newer schemes like SHA-3.

Why Use Hashing in Cryptography?

Here’s where hashing shines:

• Password storage — Websites store hashed passwords instead of plain text.
• Data integrity checks — Verifying that files haven’t been altered.
• Digital signatures — Ensuring authenticity and non-repudiation.
• Blockchain — Securing and linking blocks of transactions.

A Kotlin Example: SHA-256 Hashing

Let’s write a simple Kotlin program that hashes a string using SHA-256.

import java.security.MessageDigest

fun hashSHA256(input: String): String {
    // Create a MessageDigest instance for SHA-256
    val bytes = MessageDigest.getInstance("SHA-256")
        .digest(input.toByteArray())
    // Convert the byte array to a readable hex string
    return bytes.joinToString("") { "%02x".format(it) }
}

fun main() {
    val text = "Hello, Hashing!"
    val hashValue = hashSHA256(text)
    println("Original Text: $text")
    println("SHA-256 Hash: $hashValue")
}

Here,

1. MessageDigest.getInstance("SHA-256")
    This creates an object that can compute SHA-256 hashes.
2. .digest(input.toByteArray())
    Converts the string into bytes and hashes it.
3. joinToString("") { "%02x".format(it) }
    Formats each byte into a two-character hexadecimal string and joins them into one long hash.

When you run this code, you’ll see a 64-character hexadecimal string — the SHA-256 hash of "Hello, Hashing!".

Risks and Limitations of Hashing

Hashing is powerful, but it’s not bulletproof.

1. Collision attacks — Rare but possible; two different inputs could produce the same hash.
2. Rainbow tables — Precomputed tables that map hashes back to possible passwords.
3. Brute force attacks — Trying every possible input until the hash matches.

Best practice: Always use hashing with salts (random data added to the input) for password storage to defend against rainbow tables.

Best Practices for Using Hashing in Cryptography

• Use proven algorithms (e.g., SHA-256, SHA-3, BLAKE2).
• For passwords, use slow, salted hash functions like bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2.
• Never store plain text passwords.
• Regularly update to stronger hashing algorithms as standards evolve.

Conclusion

Hashing in cryptography is like a digital fingerprint system — simple in concept but critical for security. It ensures data integrity, safeguards passwords, and powers technologies like blockchain.

While hashing isn’t a silver bullet against every cyber threat, when implemented with modern algorithms and best practices, it’s one of the most reliable security layers we have.

In today’s digital world, encryption is one of the most important tools protecting our privacy and data security. Whether you’re sending messages, shopping online, or just browsing the web, encryption quietly works behind the scenes to keep your information safe from prying eyes.

In this blog, we’ll break down what encryption really means, why it matters, and how it keeps your digital life secure.

What Is Encryption?

At its core, encryption is the process of converting readable data into a coded format that only authorized people can decode and read. Think of it as a secret language that only you and the intended recipient understand.

Imagine writing a message in invisible ink. Anyone who sees the paper won’t understand your message unless they know the trick to reveal it. That’s exactly how encryption works — it scrambles your data so outsiders can’t make sense of it.

Why Is Encryption Important?

We live in an era where cyber attacks, hacking, and data breaches are common. Encryption is a key defense mechanism that helps protect:

• Personal information: Your passwords, credit card numbers, and private messages.
• Corporate data: Sensitive business information and customer data.
• Government communications: Classified and confidential government documents.

Without encryption, all this data could be easily intercepted and read by unauthorized parties.

How Does Encryption Work?

Encryption uses a set of rules called an algorithm and a secret key to convert plain text (your original data) into ciphertext (the scrambled data). Only someone with the correct key can decrypt the ciphertext back to its original form.

Here’s a basic overview of the process:

1. Plain Text: Your original message or data.
2. Encryption Algorithm: The method used to scramble the data.
3. Encryption Key: A secret piece of information that controls the scrambling.
4. Cipher Text: The encrypted, unreadable data sent over networks.
5. Decryption: Using a key and algorithm to convert ciphertext back to plain text.

Types of Encryption You Should Know

1. Symmetric Encryption

In symmetric encryption, the same key is used to encrypt and decrypt the data. It’s fast and efficient but requires both parties to securely share the key beforehand.

Example Algorithms: AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), DES (Data Encryption Standard)

2. Asymmetric Encryption

Also called public-key encryption, it uses two keys: a public key to encrypt data and a private key to decrypt it. This method solves the key-sharing problem but is slower than symmetric encryption.

Example Algorithms: RSA, ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography)

A Simple Encryption Example in Kotlin

If you’re curious about how encryption looks in Kotlin — a popular language for Android apps and beyond — here’s a straightforward example using AES symmetric encryption.

This code will encrypt and decrypt a message with a secret key.

import javax.crypto.Cipher
import javax.crypto.KeyGenerator
import javax.crypto.SecretKey
import javax.crypto.spec.IvParameterSpec
import android.util.Base64

fun generateAESKey(): SecretKey {
    val keyGen = KeyGenerator.getInstance("AES")
    keyGen.init(128)  // AES key size (128 bits)
    return keyGen.generateKey()
}

fun encrypt(message: String, secretKey: SecretKey, iv: ByteArray): String {
    val cipher = Cipher.getInstance("AES/CBC/PKCS5Padding")
    cipher.init(Cipher.ENCRYPT_MODE, secretKey, IvParameterSpec(iv))
    val encryptedBytes = cipher.doFinal(message.toByteArray(Charsets.UTF_8))
    return Base64.encodeToString(encryptedBytes, Base64.DEFAULT)
}

fun decrypt(encryptedMessage: String, secretKey: SecretKey, iv: ByteArray): String {
    val cipher = Cipher.getInstance("AES/CBC/PKCS5Padding")
    cipher.init(Cipher.DECRYPT_MODE, secretKey, IvParameterSpec(iv))
    val decodedBytes = Base64.decode(encryptedMessage, Base64.DEFAULT)
    val decryptedBytes = cipher.doFinal(decodedBytes)
    return String(decryptedBytes, Charsets.UTF_8)
}

fun main() {
    val secretKey = generateAESKey()
    val iv = ByteArray(16) { 0 }  // Initialization Vector (usually random, but zeros here for simplicity)

    val originalMessage = "Hello, this is a secret message!"
    println("Original: $originalMessage")

    val encrypted = encrypt(originalMessage, secretKey, iv)
    println("Encrypted: $encrypted")

    val decrypted = decrypt(encrypted, secretKey, iv)
    println("Decrypted: $decrypted")
}

How This Code Works

• Key Generation: generateAESKey() creates a random 128-bit AES secret key.
• Encryption: The encrypt function takes your message, the secret key, and an Initialization Vector (IV), then encrypts the message with AES in CBC mode. The output is Base64 encoded for easy printing.
• Decryption: The decrypt function reverses the process — it decodes Base64, decrypts the bytes, and converts them back to the original string.
• Initialization Vector (IV): This is a fixed-size byte array used to add randomness and make each encryption unique. In real apps, it should be random and securely shared along with the ciphertext.

Where Do You Encounter Encryption in Daily Life?

• Messaging Apps: Apps like WhatsApp and Signal use end-to-end encryption to keep your chats private.
• Web Browsing: HTTPS encrypts the data between your browser and websites.
• Online Banking: Banks encrypt your transactions to prevent fraud.
• Cloud Storage: Services like Google Drive encrypt your files to keep them safe.

Conclusion

Encryption is more than just a technical buzzword — it’s the backbone of digital privacy and security. By understanding encryption basics, you can appreciate how your data is protected and why it’s critical to use secure apps and websites.

Next time you send a message or make an online purchase, remember encryption is working hard to keep your information safe — quietly, but effectively.

If you’ve ever entered a password, paid online, or chatted on WhatsApp, you’ve already used cryptography — whether you knew it or not.
 It’s the invisible lock protecting your private information from hackers and eavesdroppers.

In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn what cryptography is, how it works, and see a Kotlin example in action.
 No complex math — just a clear explanation you can actually understand.

What Is Cryptography?

Cryptography is the science of securing information so only the intended people can read it.
 Think of it as putting your message in a sealed envelope, but one that only the right person has the key to open.

The term comes from the Greek words:

• kryptos — hidden
• graphein — writing

Put together: hidden writing.

Why Is Cryptography Important?

Without cryptography, sending data online would be like shouting your secrets in a crowded room.
 Here’s where it plays a role every day:

• Online banking: Keeps credit card and transaction data safe.
• Messaging apps: WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram use strong end-to-end encryption.
• Passwords: Stored securely so hackers can’t read them.
• Data privacy: Protects personal files, medical records, and government documents.

The Core Principles of Cryptography

1. Confidentiality — Only the intended person can read the message.
2. Integrity — Ensures the message isn’t altered along the way.
3. Authentication — Confirms the identity of sender and receiver.
4. Non-repudiation — Prevents someone from denying they sent a message.

How Does Cryptography Work?

At a basic level, cryptography takes:

• Plaintext — normal readable data
• Key — a secret or public piece of information
• Encryption algorithm — a method to scramble the plaintext

It turns plaintext into ciphertext (scrambled text).
 Only someone with the correct key can reverse the process through decryption.

Two Main Types of Cryptography

1. Symmetric Key Cryptography

• Same key for encryption and decryption.
• Faster but needs secure key sharing.
• Example: AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).

2. Asymmetric Key Cryptography

• Two keys: public (to encrypt) and private (to decrypt).
• You can share the public key openly.
• Example: RSA encryption.

Kotlin Example: Caesar Cipher

Let’s write a simple Caesar Cipher in Kotlin — one of the earliest encryption methods.
 It shifts letters in the alphabet by a fixed number.

fun encrypt(text: String, shift: Int): String {
    val result = StringBuilder()

    for (char in text) {
        if (char.isLetter()) {
            val base = if (char.isUpperCase()) 'A' else 'a'
            val shifted = ((char - base + shift) % 26 + base.code).toChar()
            result.append(shifted)
        } else {
            result.append(char) // Keep spaces and punctuation unchanged
        }
    }
    return result.toString()
}

fun decrypt(text: String, shift: Int): String {
    return encrypt(text, 26 - shift) // Reverse the shift
}

fun main() {
    val message = "Hello World"
    val shiftKey = 3
    val encryptedMessage = encrypt(message, shiftKey)
    val decryptedMessage = decrypt(encryptedMessage, shiftKey)
    println("Original: $message")
    println("Encrypted: $encryptedMessage")
    println("Decrypted: $decryptedMessage")
}

How the Kotlin Code Works

encrypt() function

• Loops over each character.
• If it’s a letter, shifts it forward by the shift value.
• Keeps spaces and punctuation as they are.

decrypt() function

• Reverses the shift to get back the original message.

Example output:

Original: Hello World
Encrypted: Khoor Zruog
Decrypted: Hello World

Real-Life Uses of Cryptography

• Secure websites: HTTPS uses cryptography to protect data.
• Digital signatures: Prove a file or message is genuine.
• Blockchain: Relies on cryptographic hashing for security.

Conclusion

Cryptography is the backbone of digital security.
 It’s what keeps your passwords, bank details, and personal messages safe in a world where cyber threats are everywhere.
 While the math behind it can get deep, the basic idea is simple: scramble information so only the right person can read it.