Term: hashing

Hashing (noun) /ˈhæʃ.ɪŋ/:

1. The process of turning a large amount of data into a shorter, fixed-length string of characters. LV: jaucējfunkcijas lietošana, hešēšana.
2. In cybersecurity, a method used to ensure that a file or message has not been changed (integrity). LV: datu integritātes pārbaude ar kontrolsummu.

Example sentences:

1. Website developers use hashing to store passwords securely so that they are not saved as plain text.
2. If even one letter in a document is changed, the hashing process will produce a completely different result.
3. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies rely on complex hashing algorithms to secure their networks.

Common phrases:

• Hash function: A specific mathematical algorithm used to perform hashing.”The MD5 hash function is no longer considered secure for sensitive data.”
• One-way hashing: A process where data can be turned into a hash, but the hash cannot be turned back into the original data.”One-way hashing ensures that even if a hacker steals the database, they cannot see the actual passwords.”
• Verify the hash: To check the hash of a downloaded file against the original to ensure it wasn’t tampered with.”You should always verify the hash of the software before installing it on your computer.”