# SHA-384

> cryptographic hash function

**Wikidata**: [Q110651380](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110651380)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SHA-384)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sha-384

## Summary
SHA-384 is a cryptographic hash function designed by the NSA as part of the SHA-2 family. It produces a 384-bit hash value, making it more secure than SHA-256 for applications requiring higher collision resistance. It is formally defined in RFC 4634 and RFC 6234.

## Key Facts
- Part of the SHA-2 family of cryptographic hash functions
- Produces a 384-bit hash output
- Designed by the National Security Agency (NSA)
- First published in 2002
- Formally specified in RFC 4634 and RFC 6234
- Used in cryptographic applications requiring higher security than SHA-256
- Part of the broader cryptographic hash function class
- Has a sitelink count of 3 (indicating moderate online presence)
- Available in multiple Wikipedia language versions (English, Hungarian)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary use of SHA-384?
A: SHA-384 is used in cryptographic applications where a higher level of security than SHA-256 is required, such as digital signatures and secure communications.

### Q: How does SHA-384 differ from SHA-256?
A: SHA-384 produces a 384-bit hash output, which is longer and more secure than the 256-bit output of SHA-256, making it suitable for applications needing stronger collision resistance.

### Q: Who developed SHA-384?
A: SHA-384 was developed by the National Security Agency (NSA) as part of the SHA-2 family, first published in 2002.

### Q: Where is SHA-384 formally defined?
A: SHA-384 is formally defined in RFC 4634 and RFC 6234, which specify its cryptographic properties and usage.

### Q: Is SHA-384 widely used?
A: While SHA-384 has a moderate online presence (sitelink count of 3), it is primarily used in specialized cryptographic applications requiring higher security than SHA-256.

## Why It Matters
SHA-384 plays a crucial role in cryptographic systems by providing a 384-bit hash output, which offers enhanced security compared to SHA-256. It is particularly valuable in applications where collision resistance is critical, such as digital signatures and secure data integrity checks. As part of the SHA-2 family, it benefits from the rigorous design and standardization processes overseen by the NSA, ensuring its reliability in cryptographic protocols. Its inclusion in RFC 4634 and RFC 6234 further solidifies its role in secure communications and data protection.

## Notable For
- Part of the widely adopted SHA-2 family, ensuring compatibility with existing cryptographic infrastructure
- Provides a 384-bit hash output, offering stronger security than SHA-256
- Formally documented in RFC 4634 and RFC 6234, ensuring interoperability and standardization
- Used in applications requiring higher collision resistance than SHA-256
- Available in multiple Wikipedia language versions, indicating its recognition in the cryptographic community

## Body
### Overview
SHA-384 is a cryptographic hash function developed as part of the SHA-2 family by the NSA. It produces a 384-bit hash output, making it more secure than SHA-256 for applications requiring higher collision resistance.

### Design and Development
- Developed by the NSA as part of the SHA-2 family
- First published in 2002
- Formally specified in RFC 4634 and RFC 6234
- Designed to provide stronger security than SHA-256

### Technical Specifications
- Output size: 384-bit hash value
- Part of the broader cryptographic hash function class
- Used in cryptographic applications requiring higher security

### Usage and Impact
- Used in digital signatures and secure communications
- Ensures data integrity and collision resistance
- Compatible with existing cryptographic infrastructure
- Recognized in the cryptographic community, as evidenced by its presence in multiple Wikipedia language versions

### Standardization and Documentation
- Formally defined in RFC 4634 and RFC 6234
- Ensures interoperability and standardization
- Part of the broader SHA-2 family, which has been widely adopted

### Online Presence
- Sitelink count of 3 (indicating moderate online presence)
- Available in multiple Wikipedia language versions (English, Hungarian)