Book Title: Intelligent Systems
Editors: Dr. S.C. Vettivel, Dr. Leema Nelson and Dr. D. Poornima
ISBN: 978-81-979197-4-9
Chapter: 8
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/isc8/259
Authors:
Dr. Gajula Raghu Ram, Associate Professor, Department of CSE, G.Pulla Reddy Engineering College, Nandyal Road, Kurnool, India
V.G. Anisha Gnana Vincy, Assistant Professor, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Tagore Engineering College, Rathinamangalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abstract
Cryptography is a cornerstone of digital security, safeguarding data, communications, and identities in the modern digital world. This comprehensive exploration of the cryptography ecosystem delves into key components including encryption, hashing, digital signatures, key management, encryption protocols, cryptographic libraries, hardware security modules (HSMs), and public-key infrastructure (PKI). Encryption, with its critical role in transforming plaintext into ciphertext, is examined through its various types—symmetric, asymmetric, and hybrid encryption—each with unique strengths and applications. Hashing is explored as a one-way function crucial for data integrity, with algorithms like SHA-256 and BLAKE2 ensuring secure data verification. Digital signatures are highlighted for their role in verifying authenticity and integrity, underpinned by cryptographic principles and algorithms like RSA and ECDSA. The ecosystem is rounded out by key management practices, essential encryption protocols like TLS, and the critical infrastructure of PKI, all of which work together to secure digital interactions across a myriad of applications, from secure web browsing and communication to data protection, digital identity, and blockchain technologies. This abstract encapsulates the intricate interplay of these elements in creating a robust framework for digital security.