How do hash functions work and what makes them good?
In the article on samwho.dev, the topic of hashing is discussed, a key concept in the IT world particularly concerning data security. The author explains what a hash is, which is a cryptographic digest, and what its practical applications are, such as password storage. A hash operates as a one-way function, meaning that it is impossible to regenerate the original data from its value. The article also covers commonly used hashing algorithms like SHA-256 and bcrypt, which provide different levels of security depending on the use case. Furthermore, the author emphasizes the importance of using salt, which is random data added to a password before hashing, to complicate the effectiveness of password cracking. Finally, the article concludes with tips on how to correctly implement hashing to protect sensitive user information.