# cSHAKE

> cryptographic hash function

**Wikidata**: [Q131904294](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131904294)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cshake

## Summary
cSHAKE is a cryptographic hash function designed for use in cryptography, specifically as part of the SHA-3 family of hash functions. It is a customizable version of the SHAKE function, offering flexibility in security and output length through parameters like customization strings and output lengths.

## Key Facts
- Part of the SHA-3 family of cryptographic hash functions
- Customizable through parameters like customization strings and output lengths
- Described in NIST Special Publication 800-185
- Includes two variants: cSHAKE128 and cSHAKE256
- Subclass of cryptographic hash functions, ensuring properties suitable for cryptographic applications
- Used in scenarios requiring flexible security and output length configurations

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary use of cSHAKE?
A: cSHAKE is primarily used in cryptographic applications where flexibility in security and output length is required. It is part of the SHA-3 family and is customizable through parameters like customization strings and output lengths.

### Q: How does cSHAKE differ from other cryptographic hash functions?
A: Unlike fixed-output hash functions, cSHAKE allows customization of output length and security parameters, making it more flexible for specific cryptographic needs. It is part of the SHA-3 family, which includes other hash functions like SHAKE128 and SHAKE256.

### Q: What are the variants of cSHAKE?
A: cSHAKE has two variants: cSHAKE128 and cSHAKE256. These variants differ in their internal security parameters, with cSHAKE128 offering a 128-bit security level and cSHAKE256 offering a 256-bit security level.

## Why It Matters
cSHAKE plays a crucial role in cryptographic applications by providing a flexible and customizable hash function. Its ability to adjust output length and security parameters makes it suitable for a wide range of cryptographic needs, from digital signatures to key derivation. As part of the SHA-3 family, cSHAKE ensures robust security properties, making it a valuable tool for developers and researchers in the field of cryptography. Its customization options allow for tailored solutions, addressing specific security requirements without compromising on performance or reliability.

## Notable For
- Flexible output length and security parameters, unlike fixed-output hash functions
- Part of the widely adopted SHA-3 family of cryptographic hash functions
- Customizable through parameters like customization strings, enhancing adaptability
- Two variants (cSHAKE128 and cSHAKE256) offering different security levels
- Described in NIST Special Publication 800-185, ensuring standardized and reliable implementation

## Body
### Overview
cSHAKE is a cryptographic hash function developed as part of the SHA-3 family, designed to provide flexibility in security and output length. It is a customizable version of the SHAKE function, allowing users to specify parameters such as customization strings and output lengths.

### Variants
cSHAKE includes two variants: cSHAKE128 and cSHAKE256. These variants differ in their internal security parameters, with cSHAKE128 offering a 128-bit security level and cSHAKE256 offering a 256-bit security level. This flexibility makes cSHAKE suitable for a variety of cryptographic applications.

### Applications
cSHAKE is used in scenarios requiring flexible security and output length configurations. It is particularly useful in applications such as digital signatures, key derivation, and other cryptographic protocols where customization is essential.

### Standardization
cSHAKE is described in NIST Special Publication 800-185, ensuring that its implementation is standardized and reliable. This publication provides guidelines and best practices for using cSHAKE in cryptographic systems.

### Relationship to SHA-3
As part of the SHA-3 family, cSHAKE benefits from the robust security properties and widespread adoption of the SHA-3 standard. This family includes other hash functions like SHAKE128 and SHAKE256, which share similar principles but may have different use cases.