Blake-256 Definition
Blake-256 is a cryptographic hash function that is faster than MD5, SHA-1, SHA-2, and SHA-3, yet is at least as secure as the latest standard SHA-3. Blake-256 is used in several cryptocurrencies to secure transactions and create new coins.
Blake-256 Key Points
- Blake-256 is a cryptographic hash function that is part of the Blake hash function family.
- It is faster than many other hash functions, including MD5, SHA-1, SHA-2, and SHA-3.
- Despite its speed, Blake-256 is considered to be very secure, at least as secure as SHA-3.
- Blake-256 is used in several cryptocurrencies, including Decred and Siacoin.
What is Blake-256?
Blake-256 is a cryptographic hash function, which is a mathematical algorithm that takes an input and returns a fixed-size string of bytes. The output is typically a ‘digest’ that is unique to each unique input. Cryptographic hash functions are a fundamental part of many aspects of information security, including data integrity checks and digital signatures.
Why is Blake-256 important?
Blake-256 is important because it offers a high level of security while also being faster than many other hash functions. This makes it an attractive choice for use in cryptocurrencies, where speed and security are both crucial. Blake-256 is used in several cryptocurrencies, including Decred and Siacoin.
When was Blake-256 created?
Blake-256 was created as part of the Blake hash function family, which was first published in 2008. The Blake hash functions were one of the five finalists in the NIST hash function competition, a contest to create a new hash function standard to replace SHA-2.
Who uses Blake-256?
Blake-256 is used by several cryptocurrencies, including Decred and Siacoin. It is also used in other areas of information security, such as data integrity checks and digital signatures.
How does Blake-256 work?
Blake-256 works by taking an input and processing it through a series of mathematical operations to produce a unique ‘digest’. This digest is a fixed-size string of bytes that is unique to each unique input. If even a single bit of the input is changed, the output digest will be completely different. This makes it extremely difficult to reverse-engineer the original input from the output digest, which is a key aspect of its security.
