Discover the crucial role of one-way hash functions in secure password verification for IAPP CIPT certification. Learn why option A is the correct answer and explore its significance in data protection.
Table of Contents
Question
One-way hash functions can be used is to?
A. Verify a password in a secure way.
B. Recover a credit card number at refund
C. Encrypt a document for confidentiality.
D. Secure an end-to-end communication.
Answer
A. Verify a password in a secure way.
Explanation
One-way hash functions play a critical role in modern cybersecurity, particularly in password management. Here’s a detailed explanation of why this is the correct answer and why the other options are incorrect:
Verifying passwords securely (Option A):
One-way hash functions are designed to take an input (like a password) and produce a fixed-size output (the hash) that cannot be reversed to reveal the original input. This property makes them ideal for password verification:
- When a user creates a password, the system hashes it and stores only the hash.
- When the user attempts to log in, the entered password is hashed and compared to the stored hash.
- If the hashes match, the password is correct, but the actual password is never stored or transmitted in plain text.
This method enhances security by protecting passwords even if the database is compromised, as attackers only obtain hashes, not actual passwords.
Why other options are incorrect:
B. Recover a credit card number at refund:
– This is incorrect because one-way hash functions are, by definition, not reversible. You cannot use a hash to recover original data like a credit card number.
C. Encrypt a document for confidentiality:
– While hashing is related to encryption, it’s not the same. Hashing is one-way and doesn’t allow for decryption, which is necessary for document confidentiality.
D. Secure an end-to-end communication:
– Although hashes can be used as part of secure communication protocols, they alone cannot secure end-to-end communication. This typically requires encryption algorithms, key exchange mechanisms, and other cryptographic techniques.
In the context of the IAPP CIPT (Certified Information Privacy Technologist) certification, understanding the proper use of one-way hash functions is crucial. It demonstrates knowledge of fundamental security practices that protect sensitive data, particularly user credentials, which is a key aspect of privacy technology and data protection strategies.
IAPP CIPT certification exam assessment practice question and answer (Q&A) dump including multiple choice questions (MCQ) and objective type questions, with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the IAPP CIPT exam and earn IAPP CIPT certification.