Hashing algorithms convert strings into fixed numeric values for security, data access, and validation. Hash functions create hash values, but collisions can occur. Hashing is used for data encryption and performance improvement. Advanced hashing requires encryption keys and is maintained by NIST with the current standard being AES with a 256-bit key.
Computer programmers have used hashing functions for decades. These functions are typically used in the areas of security, data access, or data validation. A hashing algorithm is a mathematical function that converts a variable-length string of characters into a fixed numeric value. There are several types of algorithms available today. Each type is designed for a specific purpose.
A hash function is a mathematical function that creates a hash value from a set of character strings. When creating a hash function, it’s important to protect against hash collisions. Unfortunately a hashing algorithm can create the same hash value with a different set of character data. This will cause a collision because two datasets will have the same hash key.
Data encryption is one of the main safeguards against intruders and malicious activity. The science of data encryption is known as cryptography. A hashing algorithm is the computer function that converts standard data into an encrypted format. There are many secure types of hashing algorithms available today. Each function has a different level of complexity for security reasons.
The hashing technique was originally created as a way to improve performance in computer systems. A hash value is a numeric representation of the characters in the data. Numeric data has faster processing characteristics when searching through data files. Many commercial databases use hash files as a method of indexing data within the database management system (DBMS).
The hashing process has also been used as a method of protecting sensitive computer data. Hashed data requires an encryption program to convert the hash data back into a format that can be understood by human interpretation. It is nearly impossible to crack an encrypted data file without the original hashing algorithm.
An advanced hashing algorithm requires special keys used for encrypting and decrypting data. These keys are the secret ingredient in making encryption complex. The encryption key can range from 64-bit to 256-bit. As the bit size increases, the complexity of the hashing algorithm becomes more difficult to break.
The encryption and hashing algorithms are maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This group maintains standards for cryptographic functions for use in the United States government. Currently the defined standard is the Strong Encryption Standard (AES), which requires a 256-bit key.
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