The standard conversion limit for MD5 is 128-bits. This is applicable to input messages of any length. However, for SHA it is quite diversified. SHA can convert an input message with a maximum length of 264 – to – 2128 bits into a 160- 512 bits output message digest. This seminal dissimilarity between the two algorithms highlights further crevices between the two.
SHA vs MD5
The main difference between SHA and MD5 is that SHA was invented by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States for the purpose of creating condensed message digests, while MD5 was ideated by Ron Rivest with the view to condense files to a 128-bits hash value.
Comparison Table Between SHA and MD5
| Parameters of Comparison | SHA | MD5 |
| Definition | SHA is a cryptographic hash function algorithm created by NIST to facilitate the creation of message digests. | MD5 was created by Ron Rivest and is used to convert messages of indiscriminate length into 128-bit message digests. |
| Full Form | The abbreviation SHA stands for Secure Hash Algorithm. | The abbreviation MD5 stands for Message Digest. |
| Maximum Message Length | SHA can convert a message of 264 – to – 2128 bits to form a 160- 512 bit message digest. | MD5 can convert messages of any length into a 128-bit message digest. |
| Security | As a cryptographic hash algorithm, SHA is more secured than MD5. | MD5 is less secured than SHA and its improved SHA-1 version. |
| Speed | The original version of the algorithm is slower than MD5. However, its subsequent installments like SHA-1 offer much more enhanced speeds. | MD5 is faster than the original SHA version. |
| Vulnerability | Less vulnerable to cyber threats and hacker attacks. | More vulnerable to cyber threats and hacker attacks. |
| Number of Attacks | Fewer attacks have been able to breach the algorithm. | Several severe attacks have been reported. |
| Uses Today | Used in applications like SSH, SSL, etc. | MD5’s usage is mostly limited to verifying the integrity of files due to its poor security protocols. |
What is SHA?
SHA stands for Secure Hash Algorithm. It was originally developed and engineered by the U.S National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). SHA signifies a conglomerate of secured cryptographic hash functions that have been specified under the Secure Hash Standard (SHS).
The various versions of the algorithm include the advanced models of SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-384, and SHA-512. The original version was equipped with a 10-bits hash function. It was soon replaced with the new and improved SHA-1 version. The later versions of the algorithm also provide one-way hash functions that process a message with a maximum length of 264 – to – 2128 bits. This is condensed to form a 160- 512 bit message digest.
The security protocols of this algorithm and its improved variants are much more comprehensive and formidable than the other market competitors. The vulnerability protection provided by the algorithm is unparalleled.
What is MD5?
MD5 connotes the hashing algorithm known as Message Digest. It was created as a cryptographic hash algorithm by Ron Rivest. The MD5 version was created as an improvement on the offerings of its predecessor –MD4.
The crux of the algorithm is based on a compression function that in turn operates on blocks. MD5 functions by taking input messages of varying lengths and then converting them into a 128-bits ‘fingerprint’ or ‘message digest’. Thus, the algorithm is capable of producing a 128-bit hash value from a capricious string length.
Although the MD5 version is an improvement over its predecessor’s security concerns, it does not embody extremely formidable security protocols. MD5 has been widely critiqued for its intense vulnerability issues. The algorithm does not offer much security to the user. Today, it is frequently used to determine the integrity of files rather than mainly it’s hashing functions.
Main Differences Between SHA and MD5
- The main difference between SHA and MD5 is that SHA connotes a cryptographic hash function developed by NIST, while MD5 is a commonly used hash function that produces a 128-bit hash value from a file with a varying string length.
- Each abbreviation represents a different full form. SHA stands for the Secure Hash Algorithm, while MD5 stands for the Message Digest Algorithm.
- The maximum condensation length for each algorithm is different. SHA can process an input message with a maximum length of 264 – to – 2128 bits. This is condensed to form a 160- 512 bit message digest. While MD5 can take a message of any length and condense it into a 128-bit message digest.
- SHA is comparatively more secured as a cryptographic hash algorithm than MD5.
- The MD5 algorithm is much faster than the SHA version. However, the optimized SHA1 version was developed as an improvement over the initial algorithm and is considerably faster than MD5.
- Several serious attacks have been reported over the MD5 algorithm, while the SHA version- especially the improved variants- report fewer attacks.
- The MD5 algorithm is more susceptible to cyber threats and hacker attacks, as its interface is easier to crack as compared to the more improve SHA versions like SHA-1.
Conclusion
Both SHA and MD5 are hashing algorithms. Both share several similarities, however, the differences between the two are equally telling in a comparative analysis of their individual performances.
Secure Hash Algorithm or SHA was created by NIST with the objective of making a hash algorithm that was cryptographic, secured, and effective. The successors of the original SHA version have been named by the Federal Information Processing Standard as the 4 of the most secured hashing algorithms in the market.
Conversely, MD5 was created by Ron Rivest as a cryptographic hashing algorithm that is capable of condensing input messages of varying lengths into a standard 128-bits message digest. While SHA can convert a message with a maximum length of 264 – to – 2128 bits into a 160- 512 bit message digest, MD5 has the ability to convert messages with arbitrary lengths into a standard ‘fingerprint’ or output digest.
There are several other notable differences between the two in terms of security, uses, vulnerability to cyber-attacks, and others. In a choice between the two hashing algorithms, SHA definitely secures an undeniable edge over MD5.
References
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/6632545/