Secure Hash Functions
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🔐 Secure Hash Functions (SHFs)
A Secure Hash Function is a special kind of cryptographic function that turns any input (text, file,
etc.) into a fixed-size output — usually called a hash or digest — in a secure way.
✅ Key Properties of Secure Hash Functions:
1. Deterministic
o Same input always gives the same output.
2. Fast Computation
o Hashes should be quick to compute for any input.
3. Pre-image Resistance
o Given a hash, it should be very hard to find the original input.
4. Second Pre-image Resistance
o Given one input and its hash, you shouldn't be able to find a different input with the
same hash.
5. Collision Resistance
o No two different inputs should result in the same hash.
6. Avalanche Effect
o Small changes in input should cause big changes in output.
🔐 Popular Secure Hash Functions:
Algorithm Output Size Notes
SHA-1 160 bits Deprecated (not secure now)
SHA-256 256 bits Strong, widely used
SHA-512 512 bits Higher strength
SHA-3 256–512 bits Newer standard, very secure
BLAKE2 Variable Fast and secure alternative