The following list describes the most common Secure Hash Algorithms (SHAs): SHA-0: This is a 160-bit function introduced by NIST in 1993.
SHA-1: SHA-1 was introduced in 1995 by NIST as a replacement for SHA-0.
The Cryptographic Hash Functions That Secure Bitcoin
It should be noted that SHA-1 is now considered insecure, and it is being deprecated by certificate authorities.
SHA-2: This category includes four functions defined by the number of bits of the hash: SHA-224, SHA- 256, SHA-384, and SHA-512.
SHA-3-224, SHA-3-256, SHA-3-384, and SHA-3-512 are members of this family.
Keccak uses a new approach called sponge construction instead of the commonly used Merkle-Damgard transformation.
RIPEMD: RIPEMD is the acronym for RACE Integrity Primitives Evaluation Message Digest.
There are multiple versions of RIPEMD, including 128-bit, 160-bit, 256-bit, and 320-bit.
Why This Matters for Blockchain Technology
Whirlpool: This is based on a modified version of the Rijndael cipher known as W.
It uses the Miyaguchi- Preneel compression function, which is a type of one-way function used for the compression of two fixed- length inputs into a single fixed-length output.
Hash functions have many practical applications ranging from simple file integrity checks and password storage to use in cryptographic protocols and algorithms.
They are used in hash tables, distributed hash tables, bloom filters, virus fingerprinting, peer-to-peer file sharing, and many other applications.
Key Points to Remember
- Secure Hash Algorithms The following list describes the most common Secure Hash Algorithms (SHAs): SHA-0: This is a 160-bit function introduced by NIST in 1993.
- SHA-1: SHA-1 was introduced in 1995 by NIST as a replacement for SHA-0.
- It should be noted that SHA-1 is now considered insecure, and it is being deprecated by certificate authorities.
- SHA-2: This category includes four functions defined by the number of bits of the hash: SHA-224, SHA- 256, SHA-384, and SHA-512.
Going Deeper: Advanced Concepts
Especially, The PoW function in particular uses SHA-256 twice in order to verify the computational effort spent by miners.
In the next section, the design of the SHA algorithm is introduced.
Conclusion
Secure Hash Algorithms represents one of the many innovative layers that make blockchain technology so powerful and transformative. As distributed systems continue to evolve, a solid understanding of these core concepts becomes increasingly valuable — not just for developers, but for anyone building, investing in, or working alongside blockchain-powered systems.
Whether you are just starting your blockchain journey or deepening existing expertise, mastering these fundamentals gives you the tools to think clearly about decentralized systems and make smarter decisions in this rapidly evolving space.