Question

Given two messages, M1 and M2, what is the LEAST likely outcome when using the same one-way hash function, H, to encrypt the messages?

A) H(M1) = H(M2)
B) H(M1) is not equal to H(M2)
C) H(M1) > H(M2)
D) H(M1) < H(M2)

Answer 1

The least likely outcome when using the same one-way hash function to encrypt two messages is that the hash values of the messages will be equal.

Step-by-step explanation:

The least likely outcome when using the same one-way hash function, H, to encrypt two messages, M1 and M2, is A) H(M1) = H(M2). One-way hash functions are designed in such a way that even a small change in the input message will result in a drastically different output. This property is known as the Avalanche Effect. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that two different messages will produce the same hash value.