| Algorithm | Usage | |
|---|---|---|
| SHA-1: Secure Hashing Algorithm FIPS-180-1 | Message Digest; input to DSA (Digital Signature Algorithm) |
SHA operates on any input length less than 2^^64 bits to produce a 160 bit output, a message digest. It is input to DSA which computes the signature of the digest (as opposed to of the message itself). Similar to MD4 since it was modelled after it. SHA-1 is a second version which fixes unpublished weaknesses discovered by the NSA.
Created by NIST with the help of the NSA. The design decisions behind the algorithm are not publicly known. No known attacks as of end 1996.
Applied Cryptography, 2nd edition (1996), Bruce Schneier.
Last updated on Mar 26, 1997 by Tony.