The Concept Behind The Hash Technology

[TL; DR]

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1. Hash technology and Hashing are used interchangeably.

2. Hash technology allows you to transform the data in its original form to a shorter fixed-length value.

3. Hash technology is complex and uses hexadecimal strings of characters.

4. You can use hash technology in blockchain technology.

5. One proven technique in the Proof of work mining mechanism is hashing.

6. Hash technology helps to secure data and maintain confidentiality in cryptography and cybersecurity.

7. Some of the benefits of hash technology include database security, data verification, computational algorithm, encryption, decryption, etc.


There is a higher probability that most people are unfamiliar with the concept behind the Hash technology. Only individuals who deal with the transfer, storage, encryption, and decryption of data are expected to be familiar with the hash technology.

Other fields where the harsh technology would be operational are the cryptocurrency space, blockchain applications, algorithms, data mining, programming, data science, and other related operations.

It is essential to highlight the definition of Hash technology, as it will give more context to this article.

What Is Hash Technology?

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Some people or sources refer to Hash technology as hashing, and both terms mean the same and are used interchangeably.

The hash technology is a set of algorithms that computes a fixed-size bit string value from a file. The hash technology transforms the data in its original form to a shorter fixed-length value.

The hash technology allows you to transfer a file from one computer to another and ensure the duplicated file is the same as the original. Hashing ensures that the file you copy retains its value and authenticity.

The hash technology deploys an algorithm to translate data in a file into code. The hash technology is complex and contains hexadecimal strings of characters.

If you want to compare two files in hash technology, you do not have to open them and start checking word for word. Once you check the hash value of the files, you immediately know whether they are the same or different.

If you change a single line in a file, the hash value changes immediately. Most times, when you transfer a copy of a file, you can use the hash technology to test whether the copied file has been altered or corrupted.

Hash technology is predominantly used in data indexing, retrieval, digital signatures, cryptography, cybersecurity, etc.

Use Cases Of Hash Technology

These are some of the use cases of hash technology:


Hashing In Blockchain Technology
You can deploy the hash technology in blockchain platforms. Several parts of the blockchain system use hash technology.

Each block in the blockchain comprises the hash of the previous block header. Hashing in the new and prior blocks ensures that both blocks are intact and no one has tampered with the blocks.

The proof of work (POW) Mining in cryptocurrency utilizes hash technology. The hash technology in cryptocurrency helps to generate random numbers to arrive at a specific hashed value containing a series of leading figures.

Hashing in cryptocurrency is resource-intensive, and it is challenging for hackers, double spenders, and bad actors to overtake the network.

Hashing In Cybersecurity
Many encryption algorithms use hashing to enhance cybersecurity. Hashing decrypts a file into a series of codes; if a hacker does not have the decryption key, it would be difficult to have access.

Cyber Security experts use hashing to secure passwords stored in a database. Experts use a hashed value to store data and retain them during transfer. If you do not have the decryption key to revert the file to its original format, you can not access it.

For instance, if hackers attack a database and find a file that contains information such as “ John Doe is the Chief Security officer with ID 273-45-1163 and is currently on operation in Palestine”. This single line of information is enough for the nefarious act.

However, consider yourself a hacker stumbling on a file that reads " a87b3 Palestine." Your effort becomes wasted if you do not have the key to decoding the original file format.

Hashing In Cryptography
Cryptography predominantly uses hashing to secure data. Multiple hash functions are used in securing data.

Data security and integrity are paramount in cryptography; hashing helps secure and identify whether someone has altered the data.

The popular cryptographic hashes include:

• Secure Hash Algorithm 1 (SHA-1)
• Secure Hash Algorithm 2 (SHA-2)
• Secure Hash Algorithm 3 (SHA-3)
• Message Digest 2 (MD2)
• Message Digest 4 (MD4)
• Message Digest 5 (MD5)

As with every technological advancement, it is expected that the users will stand to benefit from their usage. The use of hash technology comes with its benefits, and we shall examine them shortly.

Benefits of Hash Technology

These are some of the benefits of hash technology:

To Verify Data Integrity
When you transfer a file from one device or user to another, someone might tamper with it during transfer. To ensure both the original file format and the copied format are intact, you can compare the hash value of both files.

Some hash values show file size, last modification date, and time. These details will help you identify if a file has been corrupted at a glance.

Security And Confidentiality
You can use hash technology to encrypt and decrypt digital signatures. This process will help to authenticate the message senders and retrievers.

Hash technology helps to encrypt your file in storage. Only those with the encryption key will have access to the file database.

Conclusion

The use of hash technology cuts across several platforms. The functions and benefits of hash technology are numerous.

Albeit, the hash technology is complex. It works with ambiguous keys and data values. You require the service of an expert to integrate the hash technology into your operations.



Author: Valentine A. , Gate.io Researcher
This article represents only the researcher's views and does not constitute any investment suggestions.
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