Folks in encryption circles are probably a bit nervous with the news that MD5, SHA-0 and possibly also SHA-1 hashing algorithms have been found “crackable”. These algorithms are used for among other reasons, “signing” data or files. If the file or the data changes even a tiny bit, it no longer matches the hash and as a result you can find out when the file or data has been tampered with.
SHA-1 is considered a high end algorithm, even used in SSL connections, so the ramifications of it failing are fairly extreme. Time for the boffins to come up with something stronger. Since cracking algorithms requires lots of horsepower, one of the downsides of our ever increasing computer speed, is that breaking the algorithms becomes within reach of fairly lowtech low cost hardware. So as CPU horsepower increases, so does the need for new stronger encryption technologies.
Anyway, you can read about it at news.com.com. Encryption is a fascinating subject, I did a Verisign PKI course some time ago and there is much more to it them most people think. The maths side of it is mostly above my head though. (I loathe maths. )
Regards
Franki
