What is Hashing vs Salting?
Hashing is a one-way mathematical function that turns data into a fixed-length string. Salting adds random data to the input before hashing to make it unique.
Why it matters
Understanding this concept helps in grasping how modern networks and security systems operate, providing a foundation for more advanced topics.
Real-world Analogy
Hashing is like baking a cake from a recipe (you can’t un-bake it). Salting is adding a unique secret spice to your cake so no one else can guess your exact recipe.
Other Dictionary Terms
Access Control List (ACL)
A list of rules that specifies which users or systems are granted or denied access to a particular object or system resource.
Dictionary TermAdvanced Persistent Threat (APT)
A stealthy threat actor, typically a nation state or state-sponsored group, which gains unauthorized access to a computer network and remains undetected for an extended period.
Dictionary TermARP Spoofing
A type of attack in which a malicious actor sends falsified ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) messages over a local area network.