SHA-256
Digital integrity algorithm
SHA-256 is a cryptographic hash function that converts any input into a fixed 256-bit string of characters.
It's a one-way function—you can generate a hash from data, but you can't reverse-engineer the original data from the hash.
SHA-256 underpins Bitcoin mining and secures digital signatures, passwords, and data integrity checks.
Even a tiny change to the input produces a completely different hash.
Metabolize or summarize
- checksumError-detecting calculated value
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
- encryptionConverting data into code
- BitcoinPeer-to-peer electronic cash
blockchain · collision · one-way · irreversible · deterministic · hexadecimal · fingerprint · integrity
Proving something accurate
- tamper-proofResistant to unauthorized modification
- certificateFormal written attestation
- TLSNetwork encryption protocol
- SSLWeb encryption protocol
forensics · audit · compliance · vulnerability · brute-force · trusted
Federal cryptologic intelligence agency
- outputWhat something generates
- inputData received for processing
- computationMathematical processing work
- iterationRepeated procedural pass
rounds · compression · padding · block · constants · bitwise
digest
Metabolize or summarize
- checksumError-detecting calculated value
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
- encryptionConverting data into code
Bitcoin · blockchain · collision · one-way · irreversible · deterministic · hexadecimal · fingerprint · integrity · authentication
verification
Proving something accurate
- tamper-proofResistant to unauthorized modification
- certificateFormal written attestation
- TLSNetwork encryption protocol
SSL · forensics · audit · compliance · vulnerability · brute-force · trusted
NSA
Federal cryptologic intelligence agency
- outputWhat something generates
- inputData received for processing
- computationMathematical processing work
iteration · rounds · compression · padding · block · constants · bitwise
cryptocurrency
Encrypted decentralized money
torrent · token · wallet · address · timestamping
- Digital SecuritySSL certificate, digital signature, public key, private key, encryption key
- cryptographyAES, encryption, ciphertext, decryption, cipher
- Checksumschecksum, CRC, MD5, Whirlpool
- crypto miningmining rig, hashrate, proof of work, nonce, difficulty
- Digital Forensicsdigital evidence, evidence collection, chain of custody, computer forensics, forensic report
- encryptionencryption, encryption key, cryptography, end-to-end encryption, cipher
SHA-256AES
Symmetric encryption standard
RSA · encryption · DES · plaintext · decryption