ISO/IEC 10118-4:1998/Amd 1:2014

Overview

ISO/IEC 10118-4:1998/Amd 1:2014 is an important amendment to the international standard ISO/IEC 10118-4:1998, focusing on information technology security techniques related to hash-functions using modular arithmetic. This amendment introduces object identifiers (OIDs) specific to the hash-functions defined in Part 4 of the ISO/IEC 10118 series, enabling standardized and unambiguous referencing of these cryptographic algorithms in security applications and protocols.

Published by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), the document reflects global consensus and technical rigor in the field of cryptographic hash functions. It complements existing standards by enhancing identification mechanisms required for secure communications and cryptographic interoperability.

Key Topics

• Hash-functions using modular arithmetic: Part 4 of ISO/IEC 10118 outlines hash functions that leverage modular arithmetic principles for secure hashing operations.
• Addition of Object Identifiers (OIDs): This amendment provides a normative annex that assigns specific OIDs to the hash-functions outlined in the standard, facilitating their use in cryptographic protocols and systems.
• Standardized ASN.1 Module: The document defines an ASN.1 (Abstract Syntax Notation One) module for object identifiers related to these hash-functions, improving integration for system developers.
• Maintaining Bibliography: The amendment reorganizes the standard by relocating the bibliography annex to the end, following ISO/IEC documentation practices.
• Security technology focus: It addresses security techniques relevant to safeguarding data integrity via reliable hash functions.

Applications

ISO/IEC 10118-4:1998/Amd 1:2014 serves critical roles in multiple practical areas:

• Digital signatures and authentication: Hash-functions using modular arithmetic are employed in generating digital signatures, ensuring message authenticity and integrity.
• Secure communication protocols: The assigned OIDs enable secure identification of hash algorithms within protocols like TLS, VPNs, and secure email.
• Cryptographic libraries and toolkits: Developers incorporate these OIDs and hash-functions into cryptographic APIs for consistent hashing mechanisms worldwide.
• Standards compliance and interoperability: Organizations implementing security specifications benefit from standardized identifiers, reducing ambiguity in multi-vendor environments.
• Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): The standardized hash-functions and their OIDs support certificate generation and validation processes critical for trusted digital identities.

Related Standards

Understanding ISO/IEC 10118-4:1998/Amd 1:2014 is enhanced by familiarity with related international standards:

• ISO/IEC 10118 series: This broader family of standards covers different types of hash-functions under various parts, providing comprehensive guidelines for cryptographic hashing.
• ISO/IEC 7816: Covers smart card security, often utilizing hash-function identifiers for secure transactions.
• ISO/IEC 11770: Addresses key management techniques, wherein hash functions play a role in key derivation and management.
• ITU-T X.509: Standard for public key certificates referencing OIDs for hash algorithms during digital certificate operations.
• NIST FIPS 180: Specifies the Secure Hash Standard (SHA), complementary to ISO standards for cryptographic hashing.

By defining object identifiers for modular arithmetic-based hash-functions, ISO/IEC 10118-4:1998/Amd 1:2014 significantly enhances cryptographic interoperability and security. This amendment supports developers, system architects, and security professionals in implementing reliable, standardized hashing within secure IT infrastructures. For organizations seeking to align with global best practices in cryptographic security, this standard forms a vital reference point.