<aside> 💚 This article covers all Secure Hashing Algorithsm and related function classes such as Keccak.
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In the digital world, data security is paramount, and secure hashing algorithms are at the heart of maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of data. Hashing is a process that converts an input of any length into a fixed-size string of characters, which is typically used for security purposes. For developers and end-users alike, understanding the different types of secure hashing algorithms, their implications, and their impact is crucial.
n the digital world, data security is paramount, and secure hashing algorithms are at the heart of maintaining data integrity and privacy. These algorithms transform input data into a fixed-length string of characters, known as a hash value, which serves as a unique identifier for the original data. This process is crucial for various applications, from password storage to ensuring the integrity of transmitted data.
Several secure hashing algorithms are widely recognized for their robustness and efficiency. The most notable among these are the MD5, SHA-1, SHA-2, and SHA-3 families. Each of these has unique characteristics and use cases:
Introduced in 1992, it produces a 128-bit hash value. It's fast but less secure due to vulnerabilities that allow for collision attacks, where two different inputs produce the same hash value.
Available since 1995, it generates a 160-bit hash. It's more secure than MD5 but has been compromised, leading to recommendations for its discontinuation in security-sensitive applications.
This family includes SHA-224, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512, with hash values ranging from 224 to 512 bits. It's currently recommended for use due to its complexity and resistance to known attacks.
<aside> 💚 Learn More About SHA-256:
Best Practices Using Hashing Algorithms
Vulnerabilities in SHA and Keccak Functions
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Released in 2008, it offers variants similar to SHA-2 but with a different cryptographic structure, providing an alternative to SHA-2's algorithmic approach.
https://csrc.nist.gov/csrc/media/projects/hash-functions/documents/keccak-slides-at-nist.pdf