Keccak Definition
Keccak is a cryptographic hash function that was selected as the winner of the NIST hash function competition in 2012. It is the function used in the creation of SHA-3 (Secure Hash Algorithm 3). Keccak is known for its security and efficiency, and it’s widely used in the field of cryptography, including in blockchain technology.
Keccak Key Points
- Keccak is a cryptographic hash function that won the NIST hash function competition in 2012.
- It is used in the creation of SHA-3, a member of the Secure Hash Algorithm family.
- Keccak is known for its security and efficiency, making it a popular choice in the field of cryptography.
- In the context of blockchain technology, Keccak is used to secure data and transactions.
What is Keccak?
Keccak is a versatile cryptographic primitive that can be used in many different security applications. It was designed by Guido Bertoni, Joan Daemen, Michaël Peeters, and Gilles Van Assche. Keccak operates on a sponge construction, a framework for designing cryptographic functions. This allows it to absorb any amount of data and squeeze out any amount of output, providing a high level of flexibility and security.
Why is Keccak important?
Keccak’s importance lies in its security and efficiency. It is resistant to known cryptographic vulnerabilities and attacks, making it a reliable choice for securing sensitive data. Furthermore, Keccak is efficient in terms of speed and computational resources, making it suitable for a wide range of devices and applications, from small embedded systems to high-performance computing environments.
Where is Keccak used?
Keccak is used in a variety of applications in the field of cryptography. Most notably, it is used in the creation of SHA-3, a member of the Secure Hash Algorithm family. In the context of blockchain technology, Keccak is used to secure data and transactions. It ensures the integrity and authenticity of data, making it a crucial component of blockchain systems.
When was Keccak developed?
Keccak was developed during the NIST hash function competition, which took place from 2007 to 2012. It was selected as the winner of the competition in 2012, and it was subsequently used in the creation of SHA-3.
How does Keccak work?
Keccak operates on a sponge construction, which consists of an absorbing phase and a squeezing phase. During the absorbing phase, the input message is divided into blocks, and each block is XORed into the state of the sponge. The state is then transformed using a permutation function. During the squeezing phase, output blocks are read from the state, and the state is transformed again after each block is read. This process continues until the desired amount of output has been produced.
