Glossary

Hash function

A function that produces a unique value, or fixed-length fingerprint, for every unique variable-length input message. Hash functions are used with digital signatures and time stamping and cannot be inverted (i.e. it is pactically impossible to determine the input message from the fingerprint).

---

Hashing

Hashing refers to the process of transforming a string of characters of variable length into a shorter fixed-length value or key (called hash), that can be used to represent and functionally replace the original string.

Hashing can be used to index and retrieve items in a database or to hide information in the context of encryption algorithms (see also Hash function).

In the e-Capsule™ system, hashing is used - among other things - to hide the credential information that the user must enter in order to be granted access to the repository. This step is part of the process that assures that the user is the only one that can have access to all the information needed to decrypt and manage his secret files stored in the repository.