Use of Cryptography and Signing for Network Security

Abstract

Abstract: With technological advancements along with tremendous generation and storage of sensitive data, which can be cryptographic keys, passwords or other data that can be crucial for operation of an organization, thereis a need to secure this sensitive data startingfrom its creation, its transfer from one place to another and its final place of storage. Thiscan be done with the help of cryptography and cryptographic algorithms that can help secure this entire process. With cryptography, it is possible to securely transfer sensitive data to ensure that it cannot be read or tampered by a third party. Cryptography and its related algorithms can also be used to secure the network for safe transfer and storage of sensitive data. In this paper, starting with a brief introduction to cryptography concepts and some networkingprotocols, we shall discuss and compare usage of an algorithm such as AES, hashing and importance of Digital Certificates and Signing operation along with encryption for better security.