4 ms·
> Curious to know if there are downsides to this (performance is an obvious one) or whether you're weakening the stronger hash by hashing a weaker one? You're
by nehpe 8y ago
> Curious to know if there are downsides to this (performance is an obvious one) or whether you're weakening the stronger hash by hashing a weaker one?
You're weakening the stronger hash by hashing the weaker one. The two main problems of MD5 are entropy (128-bit maximum) and collisions (because of lack of entropy).
By always hashing to MD5, you are losing the entropy of the stronger hashing algorithm.
- mystickphoenix 8y agoConfirms a suspicion I had that it might be an issue. I assume it's a problem whenever you hash a weaker with a stronger, not just MD5 in particular. Thanks!
- Dylan16807 8y agoIt does cap it at 128 bits, but it is not an issue. 128 bits of entropy is plenty.