Choose a primitive

Select your use case to identify the correct primitive, then follow the link for guidance on using the primitive.

Encrypt data...

	Primitive	Details
...in standard sizes	Authenticated Encryption with Associated Data (AEAD)	- Suitable for most needs - Accepts plaintexts up to 2 32 bytes - Provides plaintext confidentiality and verifies integrity and authenticity
...in large files or data streams	Streaming AEAD	- For data that is too large to be processed in a single step
...deterministically	Deterministic AEAD	- Produces same ciphertext for a given plaintext and key
...with keys protected by a KMS	Key Management System (KMS) Envelope AEAD	- Encrypts every plaintext with new AEAD key - Encrypts every AEAD key with KMS
...with public key, decrypt data with private key	Hybrid Encryption	- Not authenticated - Useful when senders cannot store secrets (private key)

These primitives are all able to bind ciphertext to its context .

Ensure authenticity and integrity of data by...

	Primitive	Details
...creating and verifying MAC with one key	Message Authentication Code (MAC)	- Very fast - Only verifiable by parties who can also create MACs
...creating signature with private key, verifying with public key	Digital Signature	- Verifiable by parties who cannot create signatures

Miscellany

	Primitive	Details
Create and verify JWTs	JSON Web Tokens (JWTs)	- Can additionally convert to / from JSON Web Key (JWK) format
Encrypt any primitive's keyset with a KMS	KMS-Encrypted Primitive	- Doesn't require interacting with the KMS every time the primitive is used (e.g. to encrypt a plaintext), unlike KMS Envelope AEAD

Have a question?

Create an issue in the language-specific GitHub repository linked on the Tink organization page .