Data security is the foundation of success and sustainability in today’s digital age. Because so much information is stored and exchanged online, data protection is essential to protect individual privacy, maintain business confidentiality, and prevent cyber attacks.

 

This data security is also important in the world of crypto assets. Please note that mining crypto assets such as honey miner and other mining is commonly used to obtain crypto assets.

 

However, in addition to preparing the right tools for mining activities, it is also important to understand the mechanisms and techniques behind it.

 

One of the key concepts in crypto mining is the hash algorithm. A hash algorithm is an alphanumeric representation of data, words, or messages used in the mining process. One example of a popular hash algorithm is SHA-256.

 

SHA-256 is one of the crypto world’s most widely used hash algorithms as part of the necessary security measures.

 

Now, to understand more about what SHA 256 is, from its characteristics to examples of its use, see the following review.

 

What is SHA 256?

 

Quoting techopedia.com, the 256-bit Secure Hash Algorithm, also known as SHA-256, is a cryptographic hash function that converts text of any length into a series of near-unique alphanumerics 256 bits long. The output is known as the hash value.

 

SHA-256 is used for cryptographic security. This hashing algorithm is considered highly secure as it produces a hash value that is irreversible and unique. SHA-256 was developed by the National Security Agency (NSA) of the United States Government.

 

SHA-256 belongs to the SHA-2 family of hash functions that have gained popularity following the NSA’s recommendation to United States federal agencies to switch from its predecessor, SHA-1, after discovering vulnerabilities in the hash function.

 

The United States government and many widely-used encryption protocols use cryptographic hash functions like SHA-256 to protect sensitive information.

 

SHA 256 Characteristics

 

 

Quoting the techopedia.com page, the key characteristics that allow SHA-256 to fulfill its purpose are as follows:

 

Uniqueness

 

When the SHA-256 hash function is used, different inputs will always result in unique hash values. Even small variations in the input will result in very different hash values. This is known as the “avalanche effect”.

 

Also, the hash value will always be 256 bits long, no matter how large the input is. Here’s an example of SHA-256 implementation. Hash values from similar inputs produce very different hash values.

 

Meanwhile, a one-character input produces the same hash value length as an eight-character long input.

 

Input	Hash Value
m	62c66a7a5dd70c3146618063c344e531e6d4b59e379808443ce962b3abd63c5a
me	2744ccd10c7533bd736ad890f9dd5cab2adb27b07d500b9493f29cdc420cb2e0
meandyou	cf7af6b1be152c4f427a3b5beb444e85eeadfb9e062ed420fb9b9a10ccfbadf7

 

Irreversibility

 

Hash values created using SHA-256 are computationally impossible to reverse engineer, meaning you cannot obtain the original data from the hash value.

 

This ensures that the data remains protected even if the hash value is publicly available, making it easy to share files publicly without worrying about irresponsible parties decrypting them.

 

Deterministic

 

SHA-256 will always produce the same hash value for a given input. This property ensures consistency in the hashing process, enabling data verification across disparate systems.

 

You can check the deterministic nature of the SHA-256 hash function by verifying the input and output of the aforementioned “m”, “me”, and “meandyou” on various online hash generators, such as OnlineWebToolKit and Movable Type Scripts.

 

Types of Secure Hashing Algorithm & Comparison

 

It is important to understand that SHA has varied functions that depend on its type. There are several SHA variants available for use, including the following:

 

Secure Hashing Algorithm 1 (SHA-1)

 

The SHA-1 function was developed in 1993 by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States.

 

It became popular in the TLS security protocol. SHA-1 produces a 160-bit hash function with a length of fewer than 2/64 bits as a relatively low-security standard.

 

In 2005, vulnerabilities in the SHA-1 algorithm were discovered, resulting in data security risks.

 

In 2010, major companies, such as Google, Microsoft, and Mozilla, announced that they no longer support using SHA-1 in their browsers due to security-related issues.

 

Secure Hashing Algorithm 2 (SHA-2)

 

SHA-2 is a development of the SHA-1 algorithm by the United States government. The modification is done by simultaneously using two hash functions, namely SHA-256 and SHA-512, each using 32-bit and 64-bit word lengths in the encryption process.

 

In addition, SHA-2 has an encryption block size of up to 1024 bits, which indicates the length of the hash encryption bits when sending data online.

 

The development of SHA-2 was based on the weaknesses of SHA-1, which often experienced encryption value collisions failing the encryption process.

 

One of the standard changes from SHA-1 to SHA-2 attacks is brute force attacks, where hackers try the most commonly used passwords.

 

Since the bit length in SHA-1 is not enough to protect against brute force attacks, the advent of SHA-2 with a larger hash bit length is a more secure solution.

 

Secure Hashing Algorithm 256 (SHA-256)

 

SHA-256 is a type of hash function that is often discussed in relation to its differences with SHA-2. SHA-256 is part of the SHA-2 family, which is a development project by the United States government that produced four SHA variants that are included in the SHA-2 category.

 

The four variants are SHA-224, SHA-384, SHA-512/224, and SHA-512/256. SHA-512/256 has a hash length of 256 bits, the same as SHA-256.

 

SHA-256 is quite common in practice, and it is often considered synonymous with SHA-2 as they are interrelated in the hashing algorithm used.

 

Although SHA-256 is an alternative to SHA-2, hash systems with SHA-256 functions still play an important role in the crypto world and data security in general.

 

A good understanding of SHA-256 and other hash types is key to optimizing crypto asset mining activities, supported by adequate tools for mining activities.

 

Use Case of SHA-256

 

 

SHA-256 is widely used in various applications to ensure data integrity, security, and authentication.

 

Here are some examples of SHA-256 usage that are important to know, among others:

 

Blockchain Technology

 

SHA-256 forms a critical component of major blockchain protocols, such as Bitcoin and Bitcoin SV. SHA-256 enables the proof-of-work (PoW) consensus algorithm on the Bitcoin blockchain. Cryptographic hash functions are used to verify transactions on blockchain protocols.

 

Digital Signature

 

When signing a message with a digital signature, the SHA-256 hash function creates a hash of the message. The contents of the message can be verified without revealing them using the private and public keys created during encryption. This allows for easy and secure verification and communication.

 

Password Protection

 

SHA-256 converts the user’s password into a hash value before storing it in the database. The hash value is matched with the user’s input during login verification.

 

Passwords remain secure, even during a data breach, because SHA-256 hash values require a huge amount of computing power to crack during a brute-force attack.

 

In addition, simple security measures, such as limiting the number of password attempts, make it impossible.

 

File Integrity Verification

 

SHA-256 is used to verify the data integrity of files on the internet during the download and transfer process. When a file is uploaded to a website, a hash value is created that is associated with the file.

 

The hash value is recalculated when a user downloads the file to establish data integrity. If the two hash values match, then the file will be verified.

 

Digital Certificate

 

Hash functions from the SHA-2 family are widely used to create and verify SSL and TLS digital certificates. These digital certificates enable encrypted connections between web servers and web browsers. SSL certificates are required to secure online transactions and protect customer information.

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, the use of SHA-256 in maintaining data security is very important. This hash algorithm provides uniqueness, irreversibility, and determinism, ensuring high data integrity.

 

In various contexts, such as blockchain technology, password protection, file integrity verification, and digital certificates, SHA-256 is a very important security foundation.

 

It is important to implement good security practices by using strong hash algorithms such as SHA-256.

 

By doing so, we can improve data protection and ensure that information remains safe from rapidly evolving cyber threats.

 

Let’s Invest in Crypto Assets Easily, Safely, & Profitably on INDODAX

 

Now, you understand what SHA 256 is, from its characteristics, types of Secure Hashing Algorithms, and their comparisons to examples of their use.

 

Furthermore, if you are interested in making crypto investments that are easily safe and profitable, such as buying bitcoin, ethereum, or other crypto assets, you can buy them on the INDODAX Market.

 

Keep in mind that INDODAX is a well-known crypto asset trading platform and is still the best in Indonesia to date.

 

A pioneer in buying and selling crypto assets in the country, INDODAX continues to be committed to providing investors with easy access to the crypto asset market.

 

Furthermore, as a disclaimer, it is important to underline that investing in crypto assets is like any other type of investment with risks.

 

The risks include the fluctuating value of the asset and the high level of volatility of crypto assets.

 

Therefore, it is important to do in-depth research first before starting to invest in crypto assets.

 

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start investing in crypto assets now only with INDODAX!