Understanding the Supported Algorithms

This section discusses the minimum set of encryption algorithms supported by PeopleTools. Support for these algorithms is provided through the OpenSSL plug-in, and internally through the PeopleCode crypt class.

Note:

You use the crypt class to open an encryption profile, which comprises the chain of algorithms that you want to invoke. The crypt class then invokes the algorithms and applies their parameters as specified by the profile.

Some algorithms have accompanying parameters, some with default values, which are stored along with the algorithms in the database. You supply appropriate parameter values in an encryption profile, and they are used when the algorithm is invoked.

Each algorithm returns data appropriate to its purpose, using properties provided by the crypt class. The Result property is used to make output data available from algorithms that produce or transform data by encoding, decoding, encryption, decryption, generating hash values, or generating signatures. The Verified property conveys the success or failure of algorithms that verify the input data.