Have you ever noticed when viewing or sharing a media file on
platforms such as YouTube or Instagram that the html address
includes a random string of letters and numbers?
For example, a recent YouTube short video of Gombey dancers at
Harbour Nights in Hamilton includes the string
"Nsr8Z0uqR60". (You can even search for it in
Google.)
It is the same with advertisement links next to this article on
The Royal Gazette website, as well as online shopping, online
banking, travel booking websites and the website of the Bermuda
Registrar of Companies.
Why "Nsr8Z0uqR60"?
The random string of digits is a hash; the result of a secure
algorithm. Algorithms (sets of mathematical equations) are used to
encrypt data and they form part of the backbone of online data
storage and securing passwords online.
