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Understanding-Hash-Functions

A hash function is a computational process that transforms inputs into fixed-size outputs, known as hash values, which are crucial for tasks like data integrity checks and password storage in cybersecurity. Key features include determinism, fixed-length output, pre-image resistance, collision resistance, and the avalanche effect, ensuring reliability and security. Overall, hash functions are essential for maintaining data integrity and protecting sensitive information.

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2 views

Understanding-Hash-Functions

A hash function is a computational process that transforms inputs into fixed-size outputs, known as hash values, which are crucial for tasks like data integrity checks and password storage in cybersecurity. Key features include determinism, fixed-length output, pre-image resistance, collision resistance, and the avalanche effect, ensuring reliability and security. Overall, hash functions are essential for maintaining data integrity and protecting sensitive information.

Uploaded by

antarasartale11
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Understanding Hash

Functions
A hash function transforms inputs into fixed-size outputs. These
outputs appear random but are uniquely linked to the input. Even
slight input changes yield drastically different hashes.

by Antara
Hash Function Defined
What is it? Purpose

A hash function is a computational process. It converts Hash functions are vital in computer science. They are
an input ("message") into a fixed-length string. This used in cybersecurity for various tasks. Examples
string is called a hash value or hash code. include data integrity checks and password storage.
Essential Features:
Deterministic
Consistent output
For a given input, a hash function always produces the same
output.

Repeatable
Hashing the same input multiple times will always result in
the identical hash.

This determinism is crucial for reliably verifying data integrity.


Essential Features: Fixed-
Length Output
Consistent Size
Regardless of input size, the hash function generates a fixed-
length output.

Example
The SHA-256 algorithm produces a 256-bit output, irrespective
of input data size.

This fixed size makes comparing hashes efficient and predictable.


Security: Pre-image
Resistance
One-way function Protect Input
It should be The hash value shouldn't
computationally reveal information about
infeasible to reverse the the original input.
hash function.

This property ensures hash values do not expose sensitive data.


Security: Collision Resistance

Uniqueness Minimize Collisions


Extremely unlikely that different 1 2 A strong hash function reduces
inputs produce the same hash. the chance of collisions.

This is vital for the reliability of security applications.


Essential Features:
Avalanche Effect
1 Sensitivity
A small input change results in a significantly different
hash value.

2 Unpredictability
Similar inputs should not produce similar hash outputs.

The avalanche effect prevents attackers from predicting hash values.


Other Important Properties
Efficiency
Quickly process data and generate hash values.

Irreversible
Practically impossible to reconstruct input from output.

Unique Output
Ideally, every unique input yields a unique output.

These features enhance usability and security of hash functions.


More Technical Characteristics
Non-Subjectivity
1 Not all possible output values will be generated.

Compactness
2 Generates a fixed, compact size output.

These ensure hash values concisely represent entire files.


Key Takeaways

1 2
Deterministic Collision Resistant
Consistent output for same input Different inputs rarely yield
same hash

3
Irreversible
Input cannot be derived from
hash

Hash functions are vital for data integrity and security.

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