Your IP: Unknown · Your Status: ProtectedUnprotectedUnknown
Hash function

Hash function

Hash function definition

A hash function refers to a mathematical function that takes an input (often a large amount of data) and produces a fixed-size output, called a hash value or hash code. Any change in the input data will result in a different hash value. Hash functions are commonly used in cryptography, data integrity checking, and data storage.

See also: hash chain, file hash, integrity checking

Hash function features:

  • Deterministic. It always produces the same hash value for the same input data.
  • One-way. It is difficult or impossible to reverse a hash function.
  • Collision-resistant. Two different inputs should not produce the same hash value.
  • Fixed output size. Regardless of the input data size, the size of the hash value is fixed.

Hash function uses:

  • In cryptography, they provide data integrity, message authentication, and digital signatures.
  • In password management, hash values can be stored instead of passwords.
  • In data indexing, they can help quickly locate and access data in large data sets.
  • In data integrity checking, they are used to verify that data has not been corrupted or modified during transmission or storage.
  • In digital forensics, they can help identify known files or to identify unique characteristics of files.

Further reading

Ultimate digital security

We value your privacy

This website uses cookies to provide you with a safer and more personalized experience. By accepting, you agree to the use of cookies for ads and analytics, in line with our Cookie Policy.