What is the difference between encryption and hashing? Accenture Tq Mcq

 What is the difference between encryption and hashing?

A. Encryption is reversible, while hashing is not.
B. Encryption requires less information to begin the process than hashing.
C. Hashing requires less information to begin the process than encryption.
D. Hashing is reversible, while encryption is not.

 The correct answer is:

A. Encryption is reversible, while hashing is not.

Encryption and hashing are both cryptographic techniques but serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. The main difference lies in their reversibility.

Encryption is a reversible process where data is transformed using an encryption algorithm and a key to convert it into an unreadable form called ciphertext. The ciphertext can be decrypted back into its original form using the decryption algorithm and the corresponding key. Encryption is commonly used to protect sensitive information during transmission or storage, ensuring that only authorized parties with the correct key can access and decipher the data.

On the other hand, hashing is a one-way process where data is transformed into a fixed-length sequence of characters or digits called a hash value or hash code. Hash functions are designed to be irreversible, meaning that it is nearly impossible to derive the original input data from the hash value. Hashing is commonly used for data integrity checks, password storage, and digital signatures. It allows for quick verification of data integrity by comparing the generated hash value with the original hash value.

The other options provided in the question are incorrect:

- Encryption does not require less information to begin the process than hashing. Both encryption and hashing algorithms require sufficient data to operate on, but the specifics can vary depending on the algorithms used.

- Hashing does not require less information to begin the process than encryption. The amount of information required for hashing or encryption depends on the specific algorithms and their implementation, but there is no general rule that hashing requires less information than encryption.

- Hashing is not reversible, while encryption is. Hash functions are designed to be one-way and irreversible, meaning that the original data cannot be derived from the hash value. Encryption, on the other hand, is reversible if the correct decryption key is used.