ABSTRACT
Hash algorithms have existed in many forms at least since the 1950s. As a result of the increased value of data interactions and the increased motivation of attackers seeking to exploit electronic communications, the requirements for hash algorithms have changed. At one time, hashing was used to detect inadvertent errors generated by data processing equipment and poor communication lines. Now, secure hash algorithms are used to associate source of origin with data integrity, thus tightening the bonds of data and originator of data. So-called hashed message authentication codes (HMACs) facilitate this bonding through the use of public–private cryptography. Protocols such as transport layer security (TLS) and Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) use HMACs extensively. Over time, weaknesses in algorithms have been discovered and hash algorithms have improved in reliability and speed. The present digital economy finds that hash algorithms are useful for creating message digests and digital signatures.
