Hashing algorithms and message integrity — Quiz

Hashing algorithms and message integrity

1. What is the primary purpose of a hashing algorithm in the context of message integrity? (Choose one answer) a) To encrypt the message so it cannot be read b) To generate a fixed-size fingerprint that uniquely represents the message c) To compress the message for faster transmission d) To authenticate the identity of the sender

2. Which characteristic of an industry-grade hashing algorithm ensures that even a tiny change in the input (e.g., changing one bit) produces a completely different hash output? (Choose one answer) a) Fixed-length output b) Pre-image resistance c) The avalanche effect d) Collision resistance

3. Why is a basic hash digest (e.g., a SHA-256 hash sent alongside a message) alone insufficient for ensuring integrity against a malicious attacker? (Choose one answer) a) The hash is always the same length, which reveals the message size b) An attacker can reverse the hash to discover the original message c) An attacker can modify the message and generate a new valid hash for it d) The hash algorithm might produce collisions too easily

4. HMAC provides which two security properties that a basic hash does not? (Choose one answer) a) Encryption and non-repudiation b) Confidentiality and availability c) Integrity and authenticity d) Compression and speed

5. What is the fundamental cryptographic difference between HMAC and a digital signature? (Choose one answer) a) HMAC is faster, but digital signatures are slower b) HMAC uses a shared secret key, while digital signatures use public/private key pairs c) HMAC provides encryption, while digital signatures only provide authentication d) HMAC is broken, while digital signatures are secure