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Checksum Calculator
Verify data integrity by generating MD5, SHA-1, and SHA-256 hashes.
What is a Checksum?
How Does it Work?
Common Hashing Algorithms
| Algorithm | Description | Security |
|---|---|---|
| MD5 | A widely used hash function producing a 128-bit hash value. It is fast but no longer considered secure against collisions. | Insecure |
| SHA-1 | Produces a 160-bit hash value. It is stronger than MD5 but is also considered insecure for most cryptographic purposes today. | Weak |
| SHA-256 | Part of the SHA-2 family, it produces a 256-bit hash. It is the current industry standard for secure hashing. | Secure |
Use Cases for Checksums
- File Integrity Verification: Ensure a downloaded file has not been corrupted or tampered with.
- Password Storage: Storing hashes of passwords instead of the plain text passwords themselves to enhance security.
- Digital Signatures: Verifying the authenticity and integrity of digital documents and messages.
- Data Deduplication: Identifying duplicate files in storage systems by comparing their checksums.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a 'hash collision'?
A hash collision occurs when two different inputs produce the same hash output. For older algorithms like MD5, collisions can be intentionally created, making them insecure.
Can I reverse a hash to get the original text?
No, cryptographic hash functions are designed to be one-way. It is computationally infeasible to reverse the process and obtain the original input from the hash output.
Why should I use SHA-256 over MD5?
SHA-256 is significantly more secure than MD5. MD5 is known to have vulnerabilities and is susceptible to collision attacks, meaning its integrity checks can be bypassed. SHA-256 is the current industry standard for secure applications.