Salauskerrostus

Salauskerrostus, meaning "encryption layering" in Finnish, refers to a cryptographic technique where multiple layers of encryption are applied to data. Each layer uses a different encryption algorithm and/or key, creating a nested structure. When data is encrypted using salauskerrostus, it is first encrypted with one algorithm, then the resulting ciphertext is encrypted again with a second algorithm, and so on.

The primary purpose of salauskerrostus is to enhance security. If one encryption layer is compromised or a weakness is discovered in its algorithm, the data remains protected by the outer layers. This provides a higher degree of resilience against attacks compared to using a single encryption method. It can also be used to fulfill different security requirements simultaneously, such as meeting the needs of multiple parties with varying security policies.

Implementing salauskerrostus involves a specific order of operations. To decrypt the data, each layer must be unwrapped in the reverse order of encryption. This means the outermost layer is decrypted first, revealing the ciphertext of the next inner layer, and this process continues until the original plaintext is recovered.

While offering increased security, salauskerrostus also introduces complexities. The process of encryption and decryption becomes more time-consuming and computationally intensive due to the multiple operations involved. Managing the different keys and algorithms for each layer can also be more challenging. Despite these drawbacks, it is a valuable technique in scenarios demanding robust data protection, such as in secure communication protocols or for safeguarding highly sensitive information.