SHA3384

SHA3-384 is a cryptographic hash function that is part of the Secure Hash Algorithm 3 (SHA-3) family, standardized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2015. It produces a 384-bit (48-byte) hash value, making it more secure than its predecessor SHA-256, which produces a 256-bit hash value. SHA3-384 is designed to be resistant to various types of cryptographic attacks, including collision attacks, preimage attacks, and second preimage attacks.

The SHA3-384 algorithm is based on the Keccak permutation, which was selected as the winner of the NIST hash function competition. Keccak is a sponge construction, which means it absorbs input data and then squeezes out the hash value. The Keccak permutation operates on a state matrix of 1600 bits, which is divided into 25 lanes of 64 bits each. The permutation consists of five steps: theta, rho, pi, chi, and iota.

SHA3-384 is widely used in various applications, including digital signatures, message authentication codes, and key derivation functions. It is also used in blockchain technology, such as in the Ethereum 2.0 protocol, where it is used to generate randomness for the proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. SHA3-384 is considered to be a secure and reliable cryptographic hash function, and it is recommended for use in applications that require a high level of security.