Unauthenticated Encryption
Unauthenticated encryption is a cryptographic method that provides confidentiality for data by encrypting it, but does not include mechanisms to verify the integrity or authenticity of the encrypted data. It ensures that only authorized parties can read the plaintext, but it does not protect against tampering or forgery by malicious actors. Common examples include basic modes of operation like ECB (Electronic Codebook) and CBC (Cipher Block Chaining) without authentication.
Developers should learn about unauthenticated encryption to understand its limitations and avoid using it in security-critical applications where data integrity is required, such as in financial transactions or secure communications. It is primarily used in legacy systems or specific scenarios where confidentiality alone is sufficient, but modern best practices strongly recommend authenticated encryption instead. Knowledge of this concept helps in identifying vulnerabilities and transitioning to more secure alternatives.