A2 - Hashing

This assignment will be done in this Google Doc.

Make a Unit 5 folder within your Google Drive folder for this course, and make sure this file gets moved into that folder when it is complete. Also be sure to mark it as complete on the subsmissions page.

Review of Main Ideas

What is a hash?

• A short identifier (often 256 bits) that can be generated from any file or piece of data

Important characteristics of a hash:

• The probability of two meaningful files or pieces of data generating the same hash is miniscule
• It's mathematically impossible to generate a file or string that produces a given hash (except through brute force)

What are hashes used for?

• A quick way to determine if two files are identical (particularly if they are large and physically separated by a long distance)
• Servers will store the hashes of user passwords rather than the passwords themselves for security purposes.