What is a cryptographic hash function?

What is a cryptographic hash function?

A cryptographic hash function is a mathematical algorithm that transforms input data into a fixed-size string of characters, which is typically a hash value. It is designed to be a one-way function, meaning it cannot be easily reversed.

What are some common uses of cryptographic hash functions?

Common uses include data integrity verification, password hashing, and digital signatures. They ensure that data has not been altered.

Can you give me an example of a cryptographic hash function?

Sure! A popular example is SHA-256, which is widely used in blockchain technology and security applications.

How do cryptographic hash functions ensure security?

They ensure security by making it computationally infeasible to reverse the hash or find two different inputs that produce the same hash.

Are there any vulnerabilities in cryptographic hash functions?

Yes, some older hash functions like MD5 and SHA-1 have known vulnerabilities and are considered insecure for many applications.