Message Digest

Definition: The phrase Message Digest relates to an encryption program that is applied to an electronic document. The contents of the letter are represented by values and processed.  The result is a numeric figure.

The numeric value remains fixed when the message's contents are transmitted unless the content of the message is altered or changed. A “digital signature” is created when the numerics value of a communication is combined with a private key.

A quick verification of the “hashed” value (produced by the document as a result of being processed) means that the calculated value hasn’t changed legitimacy of the message is solid.

Its Relevance: An information security plan should include provisions for authenticating communications with methods like the one described above. Verification of the type described above protects the integrity of data that is in transit.

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