Overview#

SHA-2 (Secure Hash Algorithm 2) is defined in RFC 4634 and FIPS 180 and added three additional hash functions in the SHA family.

SHA-2 is a Block Cipher based on the SHA.

SHA-2 is a set of Cryptographic Hash Functions designed by the United States National Security Agency (NSA). They are built using the Merkle-Damgard construction, from a one-way compression function itself built using the Davies–Meyer structure from a (classified) specialized Block Cipher.

SHA-2 includes significant changes from its predecessor, Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA-1).

SHA-2 family consists of six Hash Functions with Message-Digest (hash values) that are 224, 256, 384 or 512 bits:

• SHA-224
• SHA-256
• SHA-384
• SHA-512
• SHA-512/224
• SHA-512/256
• SHA256 Decrypt.

More Information#

There might be more information for this subject on one of the following:

• Best Practices OpenID Connect
• Best Practices for LDAP Security
• DIGEST-MD5
• Glossary Of LDAP And Directory Terminology
• HMAC-SHA2
• Length extension attack
• Merkle-Damgard construction
• Password Storage Scheme
• SHA-3
• SHA256
• SHA384
• SHA512
• Secure Hash Algorithm