Final answer:
The correct answer is D) AES, as it is not a hashing algorithm but rather a symmetric key encryption algorithm, unlike the other options which are indeed hashing algorithms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question at hand revolves around identifying which of the given options is not a hashing algorithm. A hashing algorithm is a cryptographic function that converts input data of any size into a fixed-size string of characters, which typically represents the data in a seemingly random sequence. Let's look at the provided options:
- MD5: This stands for Message Digest Algorithm 5 and is indeed a widely used hashing algorithm, though it's not as secure as it once was.
- SHA: This usually refers to the Secure Hash Algorithm family, including SHA-0, SHA-1, and the SHA-2 series like SHA-256.
- RIPEMD: RIPEMD stands for RACE Integrity Primitives Evaluation Message Digest, and is also a family of hashing algorithms.
- AES: The Advanced Encryption Standard is not a hashing algorithm but instead a symmetric key encryption algorithm used to encrypt and decrypt data.
Therefore, the answer to the question is D) AES, as it is the only one from the list that is not a hashing algorithm.