NIST Retires SHA-1

 

Well, every hashing algorithm has an end. The next one is SHA-1 hashing algorithm. NIST decided to retire SHA-1 algorithm. They are recommending that IT professionals replace SHA-1 with a better one. 

"The SHA-1 algorithm, one of the first widely used methods of protecting electronic information, has reached the end of its useful life, according to security experts at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The agency is now recommending that IT professionals replace SHA-1, in the limited situations where it is still used, with newer algorithms that are more secure."

"SHA-1, whose initials stand for “secure hash algorithm,” has been in use since 1995 as part of the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 180-1..."

"...As today’s increasingly powerful computers are able to attack the algorithm, NIST is announcing that SHA-1 should be phased out by Dec. 31, 2030, in favor of the more secure SHA-2 and SHA-3 groups of algorithms."

“'We recommend that anyone relying on SHA-1 for security migrate to SHA-2 or SHA-3 as soon as possible,' said NIST computer scientist Chris Celi."

“'Modules that still use SHA-1 after 2030 will not be permitted for purchase by the federal government,' Celi said..."