Hashing algorithms vary in complexity, security, and length of output. Here are some of the most widely used types:
MD5 (Message Digest Algorithm 5)¶
- Produces a 128-bit hash.
- It’s fast but vulnerable to collisions, meaning two different inputs can produce the same hash. Due to these vulnerabilities, MD5 is generally not recommended for secure applications today.
SHA-1 (Secure Hash Algorithm 1)¶
- Produces a 160-bit hash.
- SHA-1 was widely used in the past but is now considered insecure for most applications due to susceptibility to collision attacks.
SHA-2 (Secure Hash Algorithm 2)¶
- A family of hash functions that includes SHA-256 (producing a 256-bit hash) and SHA-512 (producing a 512-bit hash).
- SHA-256 is a highly secure and widely used hashing algorithm, particularly in cryptocurrency and digital certificates.
SHA-3 (Secure Hash Algorithm 3)¶
- A newer standard designed to offer security even against advanced attacks. It’s computationally intensive but highly secure, often used in cryptographic applications that require maximum security.
Each of these algorithms are designed with specific trade-offs in mind between security, performance, and output size.