What is NOT a benefit of using hashing in data encryption?

Hashing is primarily used for ensuring data integrity and authenticity rather than confidentiality. When data is hashed, it produces a fixed-size string of characters that represents the original data; however, this process does not hide the data itself or keep it secret. A hash function takes an input and produces a unique output, but that output can still be accessed and viewed by anyone without needing to decrypt it, unlike encryption methods which are specifically designed to keep information confidential from unauthorized users.

In contrast, the other aspects highlighted demonstrate important benefits of hashing. For instance, hashing helps in detecting unauthorized modifications because any change in the original data will result in a completely different hash output. It is also inherently irreversible, meaning that once data is hashed, it cannot be converted back to its original form, adding a layer of security. Although hashing cannot prevent data from being accessed (as it’s not designed for confidentiality), it serves crucial roles in verifying data integrity. Hence, the assertion that hashing ensures data confidentiality is not accurate.