RIPEMD-160 Hash Generator
RIPEMD-160 FAQ
What is RIPEMD-160?
RIPEMD-160 is a cryptographic hash function producing a 160-bit (20-byte) hash value. It was developed in 1996 as an improvement over the original RIPEMD algorithm.
Is RIPEMD-160 secure?
RIPEMD-160 is considered secure for many applications, although newer algorithms like SHA-256 or SHA-3 are generally preferred for modern systems.
Where is RIPEMD-160 used?
RIPEMD-160 is widely used in blockchain technologies, especially in Bitcoin addresses, where it’s often combined with SHA-256.
How does it compare to SHA-1 or MD5?
RIPEMD-160 offers a longer hash length than MD5 (128-bit) and SHA-1 (160-bit), and is considered more secure than both for integrity checks.
Can I use RIPEMD-160 for password storage?
No. Like MD5 and SHA-1, RIPEMD-160 should not be used for password storage. Instead, use bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2, which are designed for secure password hashing.
Is RIPEMD-160 still relevant today?
While newer algorithms are more common, RIPEMD-160 remains relevant due to its use in blockchain systems and compatibility with older applications.
What is RIPEMD-160?
RIPEMD-160 (RACE Integrity Primitives Evaluation Message Digest) is a cryptographic hash function producing a 160-bit digest. Developed in 1996, it improves upon the earlier RIPEMD algorithm to provide stronger security while maintaining good performance.
Its primary use case is in integrity verification and blockchain technologies, where it is often paired with SHA-256. In Bitcoin, for example, RIPEMD-160 is used to create wallet addresses from public keys.
Although it’s no longer the preferred choice for new cryptographic designs, RIPEMD-160 remains relevant where backward compatibility is required. For modern password hashing and sensitive applications, use algorithms like SHA-256, SHA-3, bcrypt, or Argon2 instead.