Reading assignment: Hashing

Blockchain and Bitcoin 101
#3313

  1. It is called SHA-256 (Secure Hashing Algorithm)

  2. It will take an extremely long time that will be unfeasible for the goal at hand.

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#3314
  1. Bitcoin uses a hash algorithm called SHA-256
  2. It is nearly impossible to but force because the hash algorithm is a one way mechanism. If you get a value that is too high, you need to discard your progress and try again. Meaning you start from scratch all over again.
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#3315
  • What is the hashing algorithm called used in Bitcoin? SHA-256
  • Why is this hashing algorithm really hard (almost impossible) to brute-force? With a 256 alphanumeric number it makes it almost impossible.
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#3316
  1. SHA-256
  2. 2^256 gives a very high number of tries for any computer to be able crack before the 10 min deadline. At least that is what I understood…
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#3317

What is the hashing algorithm called used in Bitcoin?

SHA-256. SHA = Secure Hashing Algorithm.

The National Security (NSA) invented SHA 256. That doesn’t give me a warm and fuzzy feeling.

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

NSA designed to be that way. It will be interesting to see how things unfold as Quantum computers evolve.

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#3318

1- SHA-256 algorithm

2- It canot be reversed to calculate the initial raw data. A one-way mechanism which do not allow the reversal of a new hash

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#3319

  1. SHA - 256

  2. Because it is like a lottery - you have to invest an amount of energy and can make a bet. When you are wrong - you can make the next bet. And so on. For every bet you have to invest energy - so it cost money. But to find the right answer you can only quess.

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#3320

  1. What is the hashing algorithm called used in Bitcoin?
    Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) - 256 or SHA-256

  2. Why is this hashing algorithm really hard (almost impossible) to brute-force?
    It is the one-way mechanism created by complex mathematical equations which does not permit the reversal of the result or the “Hash”. It is done in a “unidirectional” manner which cannot be reversed to extract the initial raw data.

2 Likes
#3321

1.SHA-256
2. the possibilities are infenite.

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#3322
  1. SHA 256
  2. Because it’s virtually impossible to crack as cannot be reverse engineered and would require a 2^256 formula to be calculated which would take forever with current computational power
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#3323
  1. Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) named SHA-256
  2. You would need to find a number between 0 and 10^256 basically.
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#3324
  1. SHA-256
  2. The hash algorithm uses complex math equations to prevent reversal of the hash. A brute force requires guessing the hash seed(s) which is extremely difficult computationally. It could require hundreds of years to achieve.
2 Likes
#3325
  1. What is the hashing algorithm called used in Bitcoin?

SHA-256

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

The hashing algorithm only works in one direction, always produces a unique hash for each data set, and requires a lot of computational power to perform. The only way for the algorithm to produce a hash that is less than or equal to the target size is through intense trial and error.

2 Likes
#3326
  1. secure hash algorithm - 256
  2. because the minig rewards are distributed at random.
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#3327
  1. What is the hashing algorithm called used in Bitcoin?
    SHA-256 (Copyright by NSA :wink:
  2. Why is this hashing algorithm really hard (almost impossible) to brute-force?
    Because the possibilites are immense (thinking about the tale of the rice corn which double on every square of a chess board :slight_smile:
    Hopefully this will not change with quantum computers :wink:
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#3328

  1. SHA-256 Secure Hash (Argument or Algorithm)

  2. Not sure I truly understand why it is so difficult to brute force… 2 to the 256th power can be calculated by computer. What other constraints (time, ???) make it so brutally difficult?

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#3329

Its a binary number so its 2^256. :slight_smile:

2 Likes
#3330

It can be easily calculated true, but to calculate every possible output would take just a bit longer. :wink:

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#3331

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

The common hashing algorithm used in bitcoin is known as the Secure Hashing Algorithm and/ or the SHA-256. Which was created by the National Security Agency (NSA) in the USA.

2. Why is this hashing algorithm really hard (almost impossible) to brute-force?
By design, this SHA-256 algorithm is considered to be tamper free. The Proof Of Work (POW) function rewards miners based on the POW function. Miners add new blocks to the blockchain, in exchange for bitcoin. (Cryptimi, n.d.)
Furthermore, Bitcoin Network is designed to produce one block every ten minutes. Moreover, with every 2016 blocks, all bitcoin clients have a comparison of performances; to the average time of two weeks. Based upon percentage differentials, the targets are modified. Hence, making the POW equation more or less challenging. Target modifications cannot change the value of the target by more than a prievius value of 4 times its previous value.

Best Regards, @Craft

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#3332

@Alko89

   Thank you for your contributions to our discussion board. In my opinion, the knowledge gleaned from one another is important. Regarding you comments pertaining to the blocks header and/ or nonce; I appreciate your knowledge. in fact, mining requires high amounts of computational capacity. according to our learning materials, (Cryptimi, n.d.).

Furthermore, I learned about the "simple analogy of a food blender. At first the food ingredients are distinct. When the food blender starts; the food looses distinct characteristics. Whilst the food nutrients are still present within the mixture, it is not possible to reconstruct the food ingredients individually (Cryptimi, n.d.).

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