SHA-3 hashing IP helps implement future-proof security

9th June 2017

Barco

Anna Flockett

0 0

Datasheet

Adding the new SHA-3 hashing functions to its extensive offering of IP blocks, Barco Silex, use the hashing functions to check the integrity of messages, transactions and data in, e.g., e-commerce, financial applications or data archiving. SHA-3 hashing is part of the NIST-endorsed FIPS 202 standard and serves as a future-proof backup for the widely-used SHA-2 algorithms.

Hashing algorithms transform digital data such as messages, transactions or software packages into a short ‘message digest’. Thereafter, even the smallest change in the original data will cause a mismatch with the digest. That way, the digest can be used to verify the integrity of the data and detect any accidental or intentional changes. Such hashed digests find a broad application in electronic communication and storage where they are used to help secure, e.g., digital signing, software attestation, data archival or communication.

SHA-3 hashing was released as part of FIPS 202, a new standard for information processing by the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA). It specifies a family of functions based on Keccak, an innovative algorithm that combines excellent performance and resistance against attacks.

SHA-3 is the follow-up of SHA-2, which remains NIST-approved and secure. Barco Silex’ security guru Sébastien Rabou said: “SHA-3 hashing is based on a very different design than SHA-2. That makes it an excellent backup for SHA-2 if it should ever get compromised. So by implementing and offering the SHA-3 algorithms as an IP core, we want to assure that our customers can build products with a security that is really future-proof.”

The new BA418 IP core including SHA-3 is available for ASIC and FPGA devices. It comes with convenient software drivers to simplify ASIC or FPGA integration.