security en
Cryptographic hash
security
Also called: hash
Plain-language definition
Plain-language definition
A one-way function that produces a fixed-size fingerprint of data.
Why it matters
Hashes support integrity checks and password storage designs, but an unsalted fast hash is unsafe for passwords.
Technical detail
A cryptographic hash deterministically maps input to a digest while aiming to resist preimage, second-preimage, and collision attacks.
Examples
- The system verifies a downloaded release by comparing its published hash.
Related terms
Sources and review
Reviewed July 12, 2026 by [email protected]. Next review due January 11, 2027.
- Glossary of Key Information Security Terms — National Institute of Standards and Technology Accessed 7/11/2026
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