Reading assignment: Hashing

Blockchain and Bitcoin 101
#3033

1.SHA-256

2.Its a 256-bit algorithm.

1 Like
#3034
  1. What is the hashing algorithm called used in Bitcoin?

Answer: SHA-256 - SHA is short for Secure Hash Algorithm and the it was developed by NSA. There are 3 standard sizes: 64-bit, 128-bit, and 256-bit.

  1. Why is this hashing algorithm really hard (almost impossible) to brute-force?

Answer: Because - Bitcoin’s hash algorithm is unidirectional. There is an endless amount of alphanumeric code to run through for the computer that tries to find the correct one and ultimately hack the system.

Also, with current processing power available, it is not worth the effort trying to hack blockchain as the return on investment would be too low. Unless you are a sovereign state that tries to protect its central bank-issued medium of exchange and restrict its citizens to only use the country-specific fiat currency.

Even in such an event, it would be questionable whether it’d be a worthwhile attempt as the blockchain would survive somewhere abroad, where it isn’t outlawed.

One consideration though: Could Quantum Computers crack this cryptography? What do you think guys?

2 Likes
#3035

Maybe, we don’t know. ATM quantum computers are specified for specific tasks and are not general purpose. Eventually the hash function will probably be broken, might not even require a quantum computer to do so. In that case the blockchain will have to hard fork to a new algo to remain secure. :slight_smile:

1 Like
#3036

Hi :slight_smile: ussualy its SHA-256

1 Like
#3037
  1. What is the hashing algorithm called used in Bitcoin?
    SHA-256
  2. Why is this hashing algorithm really hard (almost impossible) to brute-force?
    The algorithm is almost impossible to brute force because it is generated using the Elliptical curve.
1 Like
#3038
  1. SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm; the 256 refers to the random number between 0 to a max of 256-digit value that the hash provides).
  2. The amount of possible solutions to the hash makes it almost impossible to brute-force.
1 Like
#3039

1.- Is a one way function that recieves and imput and gives you a diferente outfit for every diferente character. Bitcoin uses de SHA256

2.- Because the output change every single character for every diferente character in the imput. And because is a one one funtion. Is imposible to go from the output tu the imput.

1 Like
#3040
  1. SHA-256
  2. Because of its complexities, it cannot be reverse engineered. Once the hash is produced, it cannot be reversed as it is one way input to output scenerio
1 Like
#3041
  1. Sha-256
  2. It is unidirectional. It would require an unrealistic amount of luck because mining is similar to a lottery. Or it would require quantum computing.
1 Like
#3042

  1. The algorithm for bitcoin is Secure Hash Algorithm SHA-256

  2. The hashing algorithm is almost impossible because of raw data from the input cannot be retrieve once there’s an output.

1 Like
#3043

  1. What is the hashing algorithm called used in Bitcoin?
    SHA-256.

  2. Why is this hashing algorithm really hard (almost impossible) to brute-force?
    The algorithm runs on a consensus mechanism using an alphanumeric code that requires highly specialised computers to crack.

1 Like
#3044
  1. Bitcoin uses the SHA-256 hash function
  2. Hash functions are hard to brute force, because without performing the hash itself, you cannot derive what input would generate a specific output.
1 Like
#3045
  1. SHA-256
  2. The hash algorithm can’t be reversed, and there are too many possible solutions to “guess” the input
1 Like
#3046
  1. The hash algorithm is called SHA-256.
  2. Since the hashing algorithm is irreversible, the only option to attack it is old-school brute force. However, the 256 bit alphanumeric code has SO MANY combinations, it is basically impossible for a hacker to get lucky and guess the right input.
1 Like
#3047
  1. What is the hashing algorithm called used in Bitcoin?
    SHA-256
  2. Why is this hashing algorithm really hard (almost impossible) to brute-force?
    Guessing the NONCE number is very unlikely. Hashing algo works only one way and can’t be back engineered
1 Like
#3048

SHA256 doesn’t use the Elliptic curve. Elliptic curve is used in PK cryptography. Both are in fact impossible to brute force because of the sheer number of possible outputs. :slight_smile:

#3049

No computer to this day is able crack SHA256 :slight_smile:

#3050

And fair enough.
Thanks for that.
We await quantum computers. :slight_smile:

#3051
  1. The algorithym is called SHA-256 originally designed by the NSA.
  2. I like the blender analogy. Once the input is hashed by the function it is like blended fruit, there is no going backwards. The smallest change to the input creates creates a different and unique output.
1 Like
#3052
  1. The hashing algorithm used in Bitcoin is called Secure Hash Algorithm - SHA-256.
  2. This hashing algorithm is almost impossible to brute force because it has a zero to 256 digit function that produces a different output with each and every input, so it will be near to impossible to duplicate.
1 Like