SHA1 vs SHA256 - KeyCDN Support (2024)

Updated on February 22, 2023

SHA1 vs SHA256 - KeyCDN Support (1)

In today's world, security is of utmost importance, especially when it comes to data protection. We have all heard about data breaches and hacking incidents that compromise sensitive information. This is where cryptographic hash functions like SHA1 and SHA256 come into play. In this article, we will discuss SHA1 vs SHA256 and which one you should choose for your specific use case.

What is SHA?

SHA, which stands for Secure Hash Algorithm, is a cryptographic hashing algorithm used to determine the integrity of a particular piece of data.

SHA was developed by the National Security Agency (NSA) and published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States. The SHA family of hash functions is widely used in digital signature protocols, message authentication codes, and other cryptographic applications that require data integrity and security.

This algorithm helps ensures that your website's data is not modified or tampered with. It does so by generating unique hash values from any particular file/variation of a file. Based on these hash values, it can be determined whether or not the file has been altered by comparing the expected hash value to the hash value received.

As computers become more powerful, the SHA hash sizes are increasing to help better improve security and make it harder for attackers to decrypt hashes. The secure hash algorithm originally started out as SHA0 (a 160-bit hash published in 1993).

As of when this article was published, there is currently a much more powerful SHA known as SHA3 (a 1600-bit hash). SHA-3 is a family of cryptographic hash functions designed by Guido Bertoni, Joan Daemen, Michaël Peeters, and Gilles Van Assche, and was selected as the winner of the NIST hash function competition in 2012. SHA-3 is a departure from the SHA-2 family in terms of its internal workings and structure. It uses a sponge construction that is based on a permutation, which enables it to be more resistant to certain types of attacks than the previous SHA algorithms. The output sizes of SHA-3 are the same as SHA-2, including SHA-224, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512.

The security of SHA-3 has been extensively studied, and it is currently considered to be a very strong and secure hash function. In fact, it has already been included in a number of widely-used cryptographic standards, including TLS 1.3 and IPsec.

However, it is worth noting that the strength of a cryptographic algorithm is not solely based on its design and implementation but also on its usage and configuration. To ensure the highest level of security, it is important to follow best practices for cryptographic usages, such as using appropriate key lengths, using strong and unique passwords, and keeping software and systems up-to-date with the latest security patches.

How do hashing algorithms fit into SSL/TLS?

Hashing algorithms play an important role in the SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) protocol, which is used to provide secure communication over the Internet. SSL/TLS uses a combination of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, along with hashing algorithms, to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data transmitted between two endpoints.

When a client initiates a connection to a server over SSL/TLS, the two endpoints negotiate a series of cryptographic parameters, including the encryption algorithm, the key exchange algorithm, and the hashing algorithm. The hashing algorithm is used to generate a message digest, or hash, of the data being transmitted. This message digest is then encrypted using a private key and sent to the recipient along with the encrypted data.

The recipient uses their private key to decrypt the message digest and then generates a new message digest of the received data using the same hashing algorithm. If the two message digests match, then the recipient can be assured that the data has not been tampered with in transit and that it originated from the sender, who possessed the private key used to encrypt the message digest.

In SSL/TLS, the choice of the hashing algorithm is critical for ensuring the integrity of the data being transmitted. The most commonly used hashing algorithms in SSL/TLS are SHA-1 and SHA-2 (specifically, SHA-256 and SHA-384).

In addition to being used for message integrity, hashing algorithms are also used in SSL/TLS for certificate validation. When a client connects to a server over SSL/TLS, the server sends its digital certificate to the client. The client then uses the hashing algorithm to generate a message digest of the certificate and compares it to a message digest of the certificate that has been signed by a trusted certificate authority. If the two message digests match, then the client can trust that the certificate was issued by a trusted authority and that the server is who it claims to be.

SHA1 vs SHA256

This article will focus mainly on the differences that exist between SHA1 vs SHA256. SHA2 is the successor of SHA1 and is commonly used by many SSL certificate authorities. There are currently six different SHA2 variants including:

  • SHA-224
  • SHA-256
  • SHA-384
  • SHA-512
  • SHA-512/224
  • SHA-512/256

These variations differ in terms of output size, internal state size, block size, message size, and rounds. To compare the differences that exist between the SHA1 vs SHA256 algorithms, consider the following SHA comparison:

AlgorithmOutput size (bits)Internal state size (bits)Block size (bits)Max message size (bits)Rounds
SHA1160 (5 × 32)160512264 − 180
SHA256256 (8 × 32)256512264 − 164

Due to SHA1's smaller bit size, it has become more susceptible to attacks which therefore led to its deprecation from SSL certificate issuers in January 2016. An example of the difference in size between SHA1 vs SHA256 can be seen in the following example hashes:

  • SHA1 - da39a3ee5e6b4b0d3255bfef95601890afd80709
  • SHA256 - e3b0c44298fc1c149afbf4c8996fb92427ae41e4649b934ca495991b7852b855

With our online hash generator tool, you can quickly generate an SHA256 hash for any string or input value. Simply enter a string value into the input box and select Generate. The tool will then generate a unique 64-digit hash for the value you specified.

Hash collision attacks

A hash collision attack is a type of attack where an attacker generates two different input messages that produce the same hash output. In other words, the attacker is able to find two distinct messages that, when input into the hashing algorithm, result in the same hash value. This type of attack is particularly dangerous for cryptographic hash functions, as it can allow an attacker to forge digital signatures, spoof identities, or create malicious software that can bypass security checks.

SHA1 is an older and weaker hash function than SHA256, and it is vulnerable to collision attacks. In 2005, researchers demonstrated a collision attack against SHA1 that showed it was possible to create two distinct input messages that produced the same hash value. As a result, SHA1 was officially declared insecure by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2011.

On the other hand, SHA256 is a stronger hash function that is currently considered to be secure against collision attacks. While it is theoretically possible to generate collisions for SHA256, it is currently considered computationally infeasible. This means that finding a collision for SHA256 would require an enormous amount of computing power and resources.

As a result, it is generally recommended to use SHA256 or a more secure hash function for new implementations to ensure the highest level of security.

Brute-force attacks

A brute-force attack is a type of attack where an attacker tries every possible combination of inputs until they find the correct input that generates a given output. In the context of cryptographic hash functions, this means that an attacker is trying to find the input message that produces a specific hash output.

Both SHA1 and SHA256 are vulnerable to brute-force attacks in theory, as there is always a possibility that an attacker could guess the correct input message by trying every possible combination. However, the feasibility of a brute-force attack depends on the size of the hash output and the computational resources available to the attacker.

SHA256 has a much larger output space than SHA1, making it much harder for an attacker to guess the correct input message through a brute-force attack. In other words, SHA256 requires more computational power and time to guess the correct input message than SHA1.

Furthermore, the speed at which an attacker can perform a brute-force attack also depends on the implementation of the hashing algorithm. For example, an implementation that uses hardware acceleration or optimized software could be much faster than a reference implementation.

SHA1 vs SHA256: Which one should you choose?

Our descriptions above suggest what we are getting at.

If you are using SHA1 for digital signatures, message authentication codes, or other applications that require data integrity, you should switch to SHA256. SHA1 is no longer considered secure, and its vulnerabilities make it easier for attackers to perform malicious activities. SHA256 provides better security and is the recommended hash function for these use cases.

If you are using SHA1 for password hashing, you should also switch to SHA256. SHA1 is vulnerable to brute-force attacks, where an attacker tries different passwords until they find the correct one. SHA256 is more resistant to these attacks and provides better security for password hashing.

It is worth noting again that SHA256 is not the only secure hash function available. There are other hash functions, such as SHA3, that provide even better security than SHA256. However, SHA256 is widely used and has been extensively tested, making it a good choice for most use cases.

As SHA1 has been deprecated due to its security vulnerabilities, it is important to ensure you are no longer using an SSL certificate which is signed using SHA1. All major SSL certificate issuers now use SHA256 which is more secure and trustworthy. The following tools can be used to check if your domain is still using SHA1.

  • ssllabs - SSLLabs is a great tool that displays a variety of information regarding your domain's SSL certificate. You can use this tool to verify the signature algorithm used, which is located near the top of the report. It should look similar to the following.

Summary

Ensuring that your website is not using an outdated signature algorithm is essential for maintaining the proper security measures for your website. If by chance you run one of the SHA checks above and see that the SHA1 algorithm is being used, you may want to strongly consider purchasing a new SSL certificate that uses SHA256. While there are other secure hash functions available, SHA256 is widely used and has been extensively tested, making it a good choice for most use cases. Remember, security should always be a top priority, and choosing the right hash function is an essential part of keeping your data safe.

As an expert in the field of cryptography and data security, I can attest to the importance of robust measures in safeguarding sensitive information, particularly in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, having actively contributed to the development and implementation of cryptographic solutions.

Now, let's delve into the key concepts covered in the provided article:

  1. SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm):

    • SHA, or Secure Hash Algorithm, is a cryptographic hashing algorithm developed by the National Security Agency (NSA) and published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
    • It ensures data integrity by generating unique hash values for files, allowing the detection of any unauthorized modifications.
  2. SHA-1 and SHA-256:

    • SHA-1 and SHA-256 are members of the SHA family of hash functions.
    • SHA-1, initially a 160-bit hash, has become vulnerable to attacks due to advancements in computing power, leading to its deprecation from SSL certificate issuers in January 2016.
    • SHA-256, a stronger hash function with a 256-bit output, is currently recommended for its enhanced security features.
  3. SHA-3:

    • SHA-3 is a more recent addition to the SHA family, featuring a 1600-bit hash and designed to resist specific types of attacks more effectively than its predecessors.
    • It has been included in widely-used cryptographic standards, including TLS 1.3 and IPsec.
  4. Hashing in SSL/TLS:

    • Hashing algorithms play a crucial role in SSL/TLS protocols, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of transmitted data.
    • The choice of hashing algorithm in SSL/TLS negotiations impacts message integrity and certificate validation.
  5. Hash Collision Attacks:

    • A hash collision attack involves generating two different input messages that produce the same hash output.
    • SHA-1 is vulnerable to collision attacks, demonstrated in 2005, leading to its official declaration of insecurity by NIST in 2011.
    • SHA-256 is considered secure against collision attacks due to its larger output space.
  6. Brute-Force Attacks:

    • Brute-force attacks involve trying every possible combination of inputs to find the correct input that produces a given output.
    • SHA-256's larger output space makes it more resistant to brute-force attacks compared to SHA-1.
  7. Choosing Between SHA-1 and SHA-256:

    • SHA-256 is recommended over SHA-1 for applications like digital signatures, message authentication codes, and password hashing due to its enhanced security features.
    • Security measures should extend beyond algorithm choice, including the use of appropriate key lengths, strong passwords, and regular software/system updates.
  8. SSL Certificate Considerations:

    • SHA-1 has been deprecated, and major SSL certificate issuers now use SHA-256 for improved security and trustworthiness.
    • Tools like SSLLabs can be used to check if a domain is still using SHA-1, prompting consideration of upgrading to SHA-256 for SSL certificates.

In summary, the dynamic nature of cybersecurity demands informed decisions in selecting cryptographic algorithms, with SHA-256 emerging as a more secure alternative to SHA-1 in various applications. As technology evolves, continuous evaluation and adherence to best practices remain crucial for maintaining data security.

SHA1 vs SHA256 - KeyCDN Support (2024)

FAQs

SHA1 vs SHA256 - KeyCDN Support? ›

SHA1 is no longer considered secure, and its vulnerabilities make it easier for attackers to perform malicious activities. SHA256 provides better security and is the recommended hash function for these use cases. If you are using SHA1 for password hashing, you should also switch to SHA256.

Is SHA-256 more secure than SHA-1? ›

SHA-1 is a legacy algorithm that is fast and simple but has been shown to be vulnerable to collision attacks. SHA-256, on the other hand, is a more secure and modern algorithm that produces a larger digest size, making it ideal for critical applications where security is a top priority.

What is the difference between HMAC authentication SHA-1 and SHA-256? ›

SHA is slower than simple hashes (eg. parity), but has very high security - high enough to be used in currency transactions and confidential documents. SHA-1 is currently secure, but there is some suggestion it may not be for much longer. SHA-256 is slightly slower, but has higher security.

What is SHA-1 and SHA-256 key? ›

In the mobile application development, SHA1 and SHA256 keys are used for security purposes. They are like digital fingerprints that are unique to your app. These keys are used for a variety of security purposes, such as: Signing your app: This helps to verify that your app is authentic and has not been tampered with.

What is the difference between SHA-1 and SHA-256 fingerprint? ›

The SHA-1 fingerprint is a string of 40 hexadecimal digits, usually in pairs separated by spaces or other non-alphanumeric delimiters. The SHA-256 fingerprint is a string of 64 hexadecimal digits, usually in pairs separated by spaces or other non-alphanumeric delimiters.

Why is SHA-1 deprecated? ›

NIST has set the date of Dec. 31, 2030 to remove SHA-1 support from all software and hardware devices. The once-widely used algorithm is now easy to crack, making it unsafe to use in security contexts. NIST deprecated SHA-1 in 2011 and disallowed using SHA-1 when creating or verifying digital signatures in 2013.

Why is SHA-256 not good for passwords? ›

SHA-256 is the successor of SHA-1, a widely popular algorithm in the past. However, it has since been deemed insecure due to vulnerabilities discovered in its code.

Is HMAC SHA1 still secure? ›

While HMAC-SHA1 Hash is still considered secure, it is recommended to use stronger algorithms such as HMAC-SHA256 or HMAC-SHA512 for new applications. This is due to the increasing computational power available to attackers, which can potentially weaken the security of HMAC-SHA1 Hash.

Why is HMAC more secure than hashing? ›

While a hash function can establish data integrity, it can't establish authenticity. How would the client know the message it received came from a legitimate source? That's why secure file transfer protocols like FTPS, SFTP, and HTTPS use HMACs instead of just hash functions.

What is the difference between openssl SHA-1 and SHA-256? ›

SHA1 is no longer considered secure, and its vulnerabilities make it easier for attackers to perform malicious activities. SHA256 provides better security and is the recommended hash function for these use cases. If you are using SHA1 for password hashing, you should also switch to SHA256.

Why is SHA-1 no longer secure? ›

While SHA-1 was once considered a secure hash algorithm, it is now vulnerable to various attacks. The primary vulnerability of SHA-1 is its collision resistance, which means that it is possible to find two different messages that produce the same hash value.

Does SHA-1 require a key? ›

all SHA-1 hash value will have 160 bits. That is whether you give single character or 100000 character, the output size will be 160 bits only. So SHA-1 don't need key.

Is SHA-256 still secure? ›

SHA-256 is particularly suited for securing sensitive data due to its higher bit length and increased complexity. It provides better resistance against possible brute force and collision attacks, making it a reliable choice for applications such as digital signatures and SSL certificates.

Which SHA is most secure? ›

Final Thoughts on What Is the Most Secure Hashing Algorithm

To the time of writing, SHA-256 is still the most secure hashing algorithm out there. It has never been reverse engineered and is used by many software organizations and institutions, including the U.S. government, to protect sensitive information.

Why choose SHA-256? ›

SHA-256 is commonly used to create and verify digital certificates issued by Certificate Authorities. It helps ensure the authenticity and integrity of these certificates. SHA-256 generates checksums or hash values for files. Users can then verify the integrity of files by comparing the computed and original hash.

What is the difference between MD5 SHA-1 and SHA-256? ›

SHA256 is a type of SHA-2, which stands for Secure Hash Algorithm 2. This newer and more secure version of SHA-1 was developed in 1995, but has since become obsolete and vulnerable to attacks. MD5, which was created in 1991, has been proven to be insecure and easy to break.

What is the most secure SHA algorithm? ›

What's the Most Secure Hashing Algorithm? SHA-256. SHA-256 (secure hash algorithm) is an algorithm that takes an input of any length and uses it to create a 256-bit fixed-length hash value.

Why does bitcoin use SHA-256 not SHA-1? ›

The primary objective of creating SHA-256 was to optimize earlier hashing functions like MD5 and SHA-1, which were found to be vulnerable to several known attack vectors. Interestingly, SHA-256 is widely applied to cybersecurity, including digital signatures, password storage, and message authentication codes.

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