Base64 vs. Encryption vs. Hashing: Key Differences Explained
Understand why Base64 is NOT encryption. Compare encoding, symmetric/asymmetric encryption (AES, RSA), and one-way cryptographic hashing (SHA-256).
The Three Pillars of Data Transformation
| Concept | Primary Goal | Reversible? | Secret Key Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Encoding (Base64) | Data compatibility across text channels | Yes (Trivial) | No (Public algorithm) |
| Encryption (AES, RSA) | Confidentiality & privacy | Yes (With key) | Yes (Secret/Private Key) |
| Hashing (SHA-256) | Data integrity & fingerprinting | No (One-way) | No (Deterministic digest) |
Why Base64 Is Not Secure
Base64 does not protect sensitive data. Any attacker or observer who intercepts a Base64 string can decode it back to plaintext instantaneously without needing a password or cryptographic key. Never store passwords or private secrets using Base64 alone.