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SSL Encryption Basics – Part 1

This repository contains two basic examples of encryption using Node.js. These examples cover both symmetric and asymmetric encryption techniques, forming part of the groundwork for understanding SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and how encryption works at its core.

Overview

Files:

  1. symmetric.js: Demonstrates how symmetric encryption works, using a secret key to both encrypt and decrypt messages.
  2. asymmetric.js: Demonstrates how asymmetric encryption works, using a public key to encrypt messages and a private key to decrypt them.

Both examples are simple and easy to understand, providing a foundation for learning how encryption functions, which is essential to understanding SSL.

Symmetric Encryption (symmetric.js)

In symmetric encryption, the same key is used for both encryption and decryption.

  • Algorithm: aes-256-ecb (AES-256 with ECB mode)
  • Key: A 256-bit secret key is randomly generated.

How It Works:

  1. The secretKey is used to encrypt a message.
  2. The same secretKey is used to decrypt the message.

Running the Code:

node symmetric.js

Example Output:

Encrypted Message: <hex_encoded_encrypted_message>
Decrypted Message: This is a secret message

Asymmetric Encryption (asymmetric.js)

In asymmetric encryption, a public key is used to encrypt messages, and a private key is used to decrypt them.

  • Algorithm: RSA with a 2048-bit key pair
  • Keys: A public/private key pair is generated.

How It Works:

  1. The publicKey encrypts the message.
  2. The corresponding privateKey decrypts the message.

Running the Code:

node asymmetric.js

Example Output:

Encrypted Message: <hex_encoded_encrypted_message>
Decrypted Message: This is a top secret message

Getting Started

  1. Clone this repository: 
    git clone https://github.com/DevRelSquad-blogs/SSL_certificate_generator/encryption
  2. Install Node.js if you haven't already: Download Node.js.
  3. Run the examples:
    • For symmetric encryption: 
      node symmetric.js
    • For asymmetric encryption: 
      node asymmetric.js

What's Next?

This is the first part of a broader guide on how SSL works. In the next part, we'll cover how to generate your own SSL certificate and test it on your local machine. Stay tuned for more practical insights into securing your web applications using SSL!

Feel free to contribute or raise issues if you have any questions! 😊