Summary Wk 3 Cryptographic Hash Function.docx DAT/305 Cryptographic Hash Function DAT/305 Cryptographic hash function €œA cryptographic hash function (CHF) is an algorithm that takes an arbitrary amount of data input€ such as a password or any String

DAT/305

Cryptographic Hash Function

DAT/305



Cryptographic hash function


“A cryptographic hash function (CHF) is an algorithm that takes an arbitrary amount of

data input” such as a password or any String of characters that need to be secured “and

produces a fixed-size output of enciphered text called a hash value, or just “hash.” That

enciphered text can then be stored instead of the password itself, and later used to verify the

user” ("What Are Cryptographic Hash Functions", 2015). All Cryptographic Hash Functions

are unique thus adding to its prevalence of use within the security community

At its most simplest description “A hash function is a serious mathematical process that

holds a critical role in public-key cryptography. Why? Because it’s what helps you to:

 Securely store passwords in a database

 Ensure data integrity (in a lot of different applications) by indicating when data has

been altered

 Make secure authentication possible, and

 Organize content and files in a way that increases efficiency

You can find hash functions in use just about everywhere — from signing the software

applications you use on your phone to securing the website connections you use to transmit

sensitive information online” (“What Is A Hash Function In Cryptography”,

2021).



Ideal Cryptographic Hash Function