SHA512 hash

 

About SHA512 hash

SHA-512 Hash Description

SHA-512 is a member of the SHA-2 (Secure Hash Algorithm 2) family of cryptographic hash functions. It produces a 512-bit (64-byte) hash value, typically represented as a 128-character hexadecimal number.

How SHA-512 Works:

  1. Padding: The input message is padded so that its length is a multiple of 1024 bits, leaving space for the message length.
  2. Appending Length: The original message length (in bits) is appended to the end of the padded message.
  3. Initializing Variables: SHA-512 initializes eight variables to specific constants. These variables serve as the initial hash values for the algorithm.
  4. Processing Message in Blocks: The padded message is processed in 1024-bit blocks. Each block undergoes multiple rounds of hashing using logical and bitwise operations.
  5. Final Hash Value: After processing all blocks, the resulting 512-bit hash value is the SHA-512 hash of the input message.

SHA-512 is widely used for cryptographic applications requiring strong security and resistance against collision attacks. It is employed in digital signatures, SSL/TLS certificates, password hashing, and other security protocols.