## Overview **BLAKE2b** is a [[cryptographic hash function]] that is faster than [[MD5]], [[SHA-1]], and [[SHA-2]], while being as secure as the latest standard [[SHA-3]]. It is an improved version of the original BLAKE [[hash function]], designed to provide high-speed hashing for modern processors. ## Key Features 1. **Performance**: [[BLAKE2]] often outperforms other widely accepted [[Hash Function|hash functions]] in terms of speed, especially for short messages. 2. **Security**: Designed with a high security margin; it's considered safe against known cryptanalytic attack techniques. 3. **Versatility**: [[BLAKE2]] comes in two main flavors: BLAKE2b (optimized for 64-bit platforms) and BLAKE2s (optimized for 8- to 32-bit platforms). 4. **Simple Design**: Its design is more straightforward than [[SHA-3]], making it easier to understand and analyze. 5. **No Patents**: [[BLAKE2]] is unencumbered by patents, ensuring it can be used freely in any application. ## Applications - **Cryptographic Authentication**: Producing message digests to confirm the integrity and [[authenticity]] of a message. - **Password Hashing**: Securely storing user passwords for authentication. - **File Integrity Checking**: Ensuring files have not been tampered with during storage or transfer. ## Technical Details - Based on the **HAIFA** construction (like its predecessor, BLAKE). - Uses many of the same components as the ChaCha stream cipher, leading to efficiency and good diffusion. ## Comparisons - **[[SHA-3]]**: [[BLAKE2]] was designed around the same time as the [[SHA-3]] competition, but it wasn't an entrant. Despite that, it offers similar levels of security while often being faster. - **[[SHA-256]]**: While widely used, [[SHA-256]] is generally slower than BLAKE2b for the same level of security. ## External Links - [Official BLAKE2 website](https://blake2.net/) - [BLAKE2 on GitHub](https://github.com/BLAKE2/BLAKE2)