Cryptographic Hash Function

The cryptographic hash function is an algorithm in cryptography that creates the hash value, which is also known as a hash. These functions take inputs of variable date to generate an output, hash. Most of the time hash is a hexadecimal number combination. Hexadecimal numbers consist of the letters (a to f) and numbers (0 to 9). Therefore, depending on the cryptographic hash function, it creates a specific length hash for hiding the original data.

Therefore, basically, the cryptographic hash function transforms the data that the length can vary depending on the information into a fixed-length output.

Properties of The Hash Function

• It is a one-way function: One of the most critical features of the cryptographic hash function is that it is not a reversible function. The output depends entirely on the input. Hash is not changing if the input stays the same.
• It is not possible to that using the same hash for the two different inputs: These inputs have all unique hash outputs. Keep in mind that in the practice of using hash functions, very rare instances may happen, such as in 2017, there was a collision in the IOTA.
• Anonymity: The main point of using a cryptographic hash function is that it hides the data well into the hashes.

The Importance of Cryptographic Hash Functions

• Password confidentiality: The information can be verified with the use of hash functions. When the hash function is used, the password will transform to the hash, which can be used as a password. The original password will not be revealed to the website. Therefore, these functions are used for the protection of the passwords0.
• Usage in the blockchain: Cryptographic hash functions are one of the main components of blockchain networks. Especially in the mining process, hash functions are used in verifying the information.