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SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256-bit) is part of the SHA-2 family of cryptographic hash functions designed by the NSA and published in 2001. It produces a 256-bit (32-byte) hash value, typically expressed as a 64-character hexadecimal number.
✅ Security Status: SHA-256 is considered cryptographically secure and is widely used for security-sensitive applications. It is resistant to known cryptographic attacks and is recommended for most security purposes.
SHA-256 is widely used in various security applications and protocols:
| Application | Usage |
|---|---|
| Cryptocurrencies | Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies use SHA-256 for proof-of-work and transaction verification |
| TLS/SSL Certificates | Website security certificates use SHA-256 for digital signatures |
| Password Hashing | Many systems use SHA-256 (with salt) for secure password storage |
| Data Integrity | File verification and checksum generation for data integrity checking |
| Algorithm | Output Size | Security Status | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD4 | 128 bits | Broken | Legacy systems |
| MD5 | 128 bits | Vulnerable | Checksums, non-crypto uses |
| SHA-1 | 160 bits | Vulnerable | Git, legacy certificates |
| SHA-256 | 256 bits | Secure | Cryptography, blockchain, certificates |
| SHA-3 | Variable | Most Secure | Future-proof security applications |
💡 SHA-256 is currently considered secure for most applications. For maximum future-proof security, consider using SHA-3, which is based on a completely different design principle.
