Hash Generator

A hash generator is a tool that applies a cryptographic hash function to input data, producing a fixed-length string of hexadecimal characters called a hash, digest, or checksum. This tool supports the SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm) family — the most widely used hash functions in modern computing.

Hash functions are fundamental to computer security and data integrity. They power everything from password storage to blockchain technology, file verification to digital signatures.

SHA-256 is the most commonly recommended hash algorithm. It's part of the SHA-2 family, designed by the NSA and published by NIST. SHA-256 produces a 64-character hexadecimal string (256 bits) and is used in Bitcoin mining, SSL certificates, and most modern security applications.

SHA-384 and SHA-512 are also part of the SHA-2 family, producing 96-character and 128-character hex strings respectively. They offer larger hash spaces but are rarely necessary over SHA-256 for most applications.

SHA-1 produces a 40-character hex string (160 bits). While still widely used in legacy systems (Git uses it for object IDs), it's been broken for collision resistance since 2017 and should not be used for security-sensitive applications.

Enter any text in the input field and click 'Generate Hashes' to compute all four hash algorithms simultaneously. Each hash is displayed in its own section with a copy button for easy clipboard access.

This tool uses the Web Crypto API (crypto.subtle.digest), which is a browser-native cryptographic implementation. It runs entirely client-side — your input text is never sent to any server. The Web Crypto API provides the same cryptographic implementations used in HTTPS, making it fast and reliable.

For password storage, never hash passwords with a plain SHA function. Use a dedicated password hashing algorithm like bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2, which add salt (random data) and are deliberately slow to prevent brute-force attacks. Plain SHA hashes can be cracked with rainbow tables and GPU-accelerated brute force.

For file integrity verification, SHA-256 is ideal. Software distributors often publish SHA-256 checksums alongside downloads so users can verify files haven't been tampered with. Compare the hash of your downloaded file against the published hash — if they match exactly, the file is authentic.

To protect your browsing and data in transit, use a reputable VPN service like Mullvad (mullvad.net) or ProtonVPN (protonvpn.com), which encrypt your internet traffic and prevent network-level interception. Combining strong passwords, proper hashing, and encrypted connections creates a robust security posture.