What is SHA-256?
SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256) is a cryptographic hash function that produces a 256-bit hash value. It is widely used for data integrity verification, digital signatures, and blockchain applications.
How SHA-256 Works
SHA-256 takes an input message and processes it through multiple rounds of bitwise operations, modular additions, and compression functions to generate a fixed-length 64-character hexadecimal hash.
Why Use SHA-256?
SHA-256 is widely used for:
- Securing passwords and sensitive data.
- Blockchain and cryptocurrency applications.
- Digital signatures and SSL certificates.
Security of SHA-256
SHA-256 is considered highly secure and resistant to collision attacks. However, for enhanced security, SHA-3 and post-quantum cryptographic algorithms are being explored.