Option 1: Symmetric Cryptography
Symmetric cryptography is a type of encryption where the same secret key is used to both encrypt and decrypt the message. This option is ideal for African businesses that require a simple and efficient encryption method.
In the case study, an African e-commerce company can implement symmetric cryptography by using a well-established algorithm like the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). They can generate a secret key and securely distribute it to both the sender and the recipient. By encrypting sensitive customer data using AES, the company can ensure that only authorized parties with the secret key can access the information.
Option 2: Asymmetric Cryptography
Asymmetric cryptography, also known as public-key cryptography, involves the use of two different keys – a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. This option offers enhanced security and is suitable for African businesses that need to securely communicate with external parties.
For example, in the case study, a Kenyan bank can implement asymmetric cryptography by generating a key pair consisting of a public key and a private key. The bank can share the public key with its customers, while keeping the private key secure. When customers need to send sensitive information, they can encrypt it using the bank's public key, ensuring that only the bank can decrypt the message using its private key, thereby protecting the confidentiality and integrity of the data.
Option 3: Hash Functions
Hash functions are cryptographic algorithms that take an input (message) and produce a fixed-size string of characters called a hash value or hash code. This option is suitable for African businesses that need data integrity verification, such as verifying the integrity of downloaded files or detecting tampering.
In the case study, a South African software development company can implement hash functions to ensure the integrity of its software releases. By calculating the hash value of the software package before distributing it to customers and providing the hash value on their website, customers can independently verify the integrity of the downloaded file by recalculating the hash value and comparing it to the provided one. Any discrepancy in the hash values would indicate tampering or corruption of the file.
In conclusion, African businesses can implement cryptography correctly by considering options such as symmetric cryptography, asymmetric cryptography, and hash functions. By understanding these options and their applications, African businesses can protect sensitive data, securely communicate with external parties, and ensure data integrity.
It is important to understand the different options related to cryptography to implement it correctly. Discuss three options that African businesses can use to implement 10 cryptography correctly.The answer discusses the three options for implementing cryptography and applies them to the case study.
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