ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the applications of hashing for cryptographic functions and discusses the message digest 5 (MD5) algorithms. It examines hashing applications to secure socket layers, along with hash collisions and cryptographic hash functions. The chapter deals with explanations of hashing in block chains and digital signatures. MD5 is a cryptographic algorithm that uses an arbitrary length input to generate a message digest 128 pieces long. The algorithms for hash functions have one-way functional behavior. The main function of a hash is to convert any length of data into a fixed-length fingerprint that cannot be reversed. The distributed and decentralized ledger system is one of the best advancements since the invention of the WWW. A digital signature works like an electronic stamp or fingerprint; it is the electronic equivalent of a hand-written signature. The major difference between digital and hand-written signatures is that a digital signature changes on every use even if the signer and key pairs are the same.
