# How to get help with encrypting something

As part of rooting a device, I need to generate a 2048-bit RSASSA-PSS signature using SHA256 as the hash and MGF1-SHA256 as the mask function, for an update file I created. I can choose any key; but in case I need to, a 256-bit key is given to me. [namely, 49db67e9a6f198be22b03e84dedd69b834ba67d42e017d2f1ef08f0203010001]

However, I have no clue what those terms mean (e.g. mask function???). I have found a specification sheet online, that details how these encryption algorithms work. Would I have to follow all the steps in that file one by one, or has this algorithm already been programmed somewhere, in a way that I can provide the file and the key, and it can give me the 256-byte hash?

Is this an okay question to ask on the crypto site, or would I have to ask it elsewhere?

• Note: Usually the meta.crypto.se isn't all too active and it thus can take days until you get a response here. That said, your question on the main site seems fine. – SEJPM Mod May 22 '16 at 12:37

• So the 32-byte (256-bit) quantity that the system uses is labeled as "Key". Whether it's private or public, I do not know, but I do get to choose it.case private: then I need only to encrypt the file with the given (default) key, and I'm done. case public: then I cannot use the given key. I have to generate another public-private key pair, encrypt the message with the private key, and set my "key" to be the public key. So in either case, encrypting this file should be possible given the set-up. Or am I missing something? Also, the 2048-bit "signature" is the end result of the algorithm – Alex May 25 '16 at 20:13