Submission + - NIST Opens Competition for New Hash Algorithm
Hugh Pickens writes: "The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has opened a competition to develop a new cryptographic "hash" algorithm (pdf), a tool that converts a file, message or block of data to a short "fingerprint" for use in digital signatures, message authentication and other computer security applications. In recent years, several non-NIST approved cryptographic hash functions have been successfully attacked, and serious attacks have been published against SHA-1. In response, NIST held two public workshops to assess the status of its approved hash functions and has now decided to develop additional hash functions through a public competition. NIST is open to submissions of hash functions that differ from the traditional Merkle-Damgard model, using other structures, chaining modes, and possibly additional inputs. Entries for the competition must be received by Oct. 31, 2008."