SHA 256 vs SHA 512: Key Encryption Algorithms Differences Explained!

SHA 256 vs SHA 512 – Which One is More Secure?

Data is the currency of modern-day businesses. However, as this data is in large volumes, it must be protected before it can be used. Hashing algorithms are one of the best ways to secure the data, but SHA 256 vs. SHA 512 is a tough clash when choosing one for your operations.

Both of these hashing algorithms are best in their unique way. However, when it comes to choosing one of them, the decision can be critical. Therefore, in the upcoming sections, we will analyze both of them in a comprehensive way.

What is a Hashing Algorithm in SSL Encryption?

In the current online security landscape, more robust encryption means more security. Hashing is one of the most robust encryption tools that can serve for an extended period.

Most cyberattacks are targeted at transmitting data. Therefore, hashing ensures that the transmitting data cannot be intercepted. How?

A hashing mechanism converts your plain text message into a minimal digital signature. The best thing is that no matter the length of your message, the generated digital signature is of a fixed length. On top of that, the produced signature, aka hash or digest, is irreversible, no matter what.

Numerous complex calculations are involved in the generation of the hash. Hence, if there is a minor change, the hash keys will be entirely different, informing you about the tampering. If, in any case, the hacker gets hold of the hash key, the original message cannot be intercepted.

Hashing in SSL!

Hashing in SSL authenticates whether the information received is right or wrong. Here is how!

The function of the secure socket layer is to ensure data integrity while in transit. When the certificate authority issues a code signing certificate to a user or organization, the certificate is hashed and digitally signed.

The digital signature will be verified on the receiving side, and the hash function will be used to re-hash the certificate. If there is any tampering, the incorrect hash will prove it, and the certificate will be deemed invalid.

This is an overview of how hashing works in SSL.

Also Read: Encryption Vs Hashing Vs Salting – What’s the Difference?

What is SHA 256?

There are two families of hash functions, SHA-1 and SHA-2. The SHA 256 belongs to the SHA-2 family of hashes. SHA-1 is a cryptographic hash function designed around 1995 and disapproved for cryptographic usage after 2010.

Note: SHA-1 was disapproved after a collision attack was discovered by Google and CWI Amsterdam in 2017.

SHA 256 is a hashing algorithm published in 2001 when the SHA-1 was losing its strength against brute force attacks. The hashing algorithm was a joint effort between National Security Agency and NIST.

The number 256 has a unique significance in its functionality. The number signifies the length of the final hash value or digest. It means that no matter how big the plain text is, the hash algorithm will always produce a 256-bit hash value.

Here are some key characteristics of the SHA 256 algorithm!

1. The message, cleartext, or plaintext length should be less than 264 bits. Yes, the message can be of any length, but it should be in the comparison area for random hash values.
2. The digest length or the final hashed value should be 256 bits.
3. All the 256-bit hash algorithms should be irreversible. It means the plaintext should not be retrievable if the digest is available or vice versa.

Padding bits

The padding bits are a concept in hashing where additional bits like 0 or 1 are added to complete the block. Let me explain!

The cryptographic algorithm manages the input you provide in blocks. Hence, if the block is 512 bits and there are five more bits left to complete the entire message apart from the last 64 bits, five padding bits will be added to it. These bits will be 1,0,0,0,0.

What is SHA 512?

Just like SHA 256, SHA 512 also belongs to the SHA-2 family of hashes. Though it is not as widely used as SHA 256, it is also a robust hashing algorithm.

The characteristics of SHA 512 are almost similar to those of SHA 256, with the following differences!

1. The length of the produced hash or digest is 512 bits.
2. The input message is broken down into block sizes in multiples of 1024 bits.
3. The message should be irreversible. The plaintext should not be retrievable if the digest is available or vice versa.

Other than this, the padding bits work in the same way as in SHA 256. The block size is 1024. If there are seven bits left other than 128 bits to complete the input or the next multiple of 1024, padding bits should be added to complete the input. The padding bits would be 1,0,0,0,0,0,0.

Note: Other than padding bits, length bits are also required to complete the entire input bits. There 64 length bits in SHA 256 and 128 bits in SHA 512 hash algorithm. You can calculate these bits by applying the modulus to the original plain text without the padding bits.

What are the Various Versions of SHA?

We have highlighted only SHA-1 and SHA-2 so far. However, there are SHA-0, SHA-3, and many other sub-versions. Let’s discuss all of them!

SHA Versions	Description
SHA-0	Block size – 512 bits Hash digest – 128 bits Collision level – High Rounds of operations – 64 Weaknesses – Vulnerable to collisions Security level – Low Applications – It is used to verify the integrity of files.
SHA-1	Block size: 512 bits Hash digest – 160 bits Collision level – Medium Rounds of operations – 80 Weaknesses – Vulnerable to collisions Security level – Low Applications – It is used for HMAC.
SHA-2	Block size – 512/1024 Hash digest – 256/512 bits Collision level – Low Rounds of operations – 64/80 Weaknesses – Prone to preimage attacks Security level – High Applications – Security apps, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and protocols.
SHA-3	Block size – 1152/1088/8 Hash digest – 224/256/384/512 bits Collision level – Low Rounds of operations – 24 Weaknesses – Prone to Practical collision and Near collision attacks Security level – High Applications – Ready to replace SHA-2 whenever required.

Note: The SHA-2 and SHA-3 are the safest SHA algorithm versions among the explained versions.

SHA 256 vs SHA 512 – Differences Explained!

So far, we have drilled down all the SHA versions. Now, let’s contrast SHA512 vs SHA256 in detail!

Factor	SHA 256	SHA 512
Security	SHA-256 is a secure algorithm and is the most widely used. It is computed with 32-bit words.	SHA-512 offers better security than SHA-256, but it is not widely used as of now. It is computed with 64-bit words.
Compatibility	SHA-512 offers better security than SHA-256, but it is not widely used. It is computed with 64-bit words.	SHA 512 is supported by the Windows operating system when TLS 1.2 is not in use.
Applications	SHA 256 is used in authentication protocols. It comes in handy in password hashing in Unix and Linux. Cryptocurrencies can use SHA-256 to verify transactions.	SHA 512 is used in email address hashing and digital record verification. Just like SHA 256, it is also useful for password hashing and in the blockchain.
Hash Size	The hash size of SHA 256 is 256 bits.	The hash size of SHA 512 is 512 bits.

Conclusion

The use of the hashing algorithm in SSL is a pivotal element as it secures everything from top to bottom. As there are two options here, it is best to go for the SHA-256 because all businesses widely adopt it.

You can also pick SHA-512 if you want, but it may have some limitations, such as compatibility issues. Make sure you carefully study the SHA 256 vs SHA 512 comparison to make an informed decision.

As the certificate authority follows the latest security standards like SHA algorithms while providing certificates, you must pick the right one.

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