Create SHA-512 Hash in Node.js

Hello there, fellow developers! Today, we’re about to embark on an exciting journey as we dive into the world of cryptographic hash functions. Yes, you’ve read that right! Our primary focus will be to learn how to generate a SHA-512 hash using Node.js. Now, you might ask, “Why SHA-512?” Well, SHA-512 is one of the most secure hash functions currently available, widely used for password storage, digital signatures, and other situations where data integrity is paramount. Whether you’re a seasoned Node.js veteran or just starting your coding journey, this guide promises to be an enlightening read. Let’s dive right in!

Encryption and hashing have served as the foundation for new security modules, among other network security developments. One of the most used hash algorithms is the Secure Hash Algorithm(SHA) with a digest size of 512 bits, or SHA 512.

The SHA-512 hashing algorithm is currently one of the best and secured hashing algorithms after hashes like MD5 and SHA-1 has been broken down. Due to their complicated nature it is not well accepted and SHA-256 is a general standard, but the industry is slowing moving towards this hashing algorithm.

SHA 256 is a part of the SHA 2 family of algorithms, where SHA stands for Secure Hash Algorithm. It was a joint effort between the NSA and NIST to introduce a successor to the weaker SHA 1 family. SHA2 was published in 2001 and has been effective ever since.

The hash function generates the same output hash for the same input string. This means that, you can use this string to validate files or text or anything when you pass it across the network or even otherwise. SHA-512 can act as a stamp or for checking if the data is valid or not.

SHA-512 hasn’t gained the popularity that SHA-256 is experiencing or even other types of newer hashing algorithms when it comes to real-world use in blockchain. That being said it does have a few non-blockchain applications that are noteworthy.

The 512 in the name SHA-512 refers to the final hash digest value, meaning that regardless of the amount of plaintext or cleartext, the hash value will always be 512 bits.

For example –

If you want to generate SHA-512 checksum in JavaScript i.e., client side (browser), please follow this article – Create SHA-512 Hash in JavaScript

Node.js crypto module provides cryptographic functions to help you secure code and data in Node.js. It includes a set of wrappers for OpenSSL’s hash, HMAC, cipher, decipher, sign, and verify functions.

crypto is built into Node.js, so there is not configuration or custom implementation needed.

For creating SHA-512 hash in nodejs script/code, we shall use the default crypto module that comes packaged with nodejs.

Creating SHA-512 Hash of a String

You can either require the crypto module-

const crypto = require("crypto");

or also use the modern import to import the crypto module-

import { createHash } from "crypto";

import { createHash } from "crypto";
const yourString = "This works";
const hash = createHash("sha512").update(yourString).digest("hex");
console.log(hash);

The output of the above script will be an SHA-512 hash when you run the command node index.js in your shell-

e1ed57464fab7aac8a85183d64c4e8a8bf1a9557d5032b6b379c1daac01b939ee2aecb188b5ba501e3a806d1b7422187e48821c1a52c7dc9e62acc03d2b13b90

Creating SHA-512 Hash of a Password

In case you are looking at creating an SHA-512 hash of a password, which is the most common use-case of hashing, you can use the createHash function and update the password variable and create a hex digest of it.

Here is an example of creating SHA-512 hash of a password variable.

import { createHash } from "crypto";
const password = "Hello@123";
const passhash = createHash("sha512").update(password).digest("hex");
console.log(passhash);

The output of the above script will be an SHA-512 hash when you run the command node index.js in your shell-

d06824c188a9f007425458afc5f8257539f1a4b493ba802884f401df6435b044ee435ef1d7ee9656b444a135f32879837ea15236f43854289fd4522baa6cee99

Passwords can also be SHA-512 hashed in the frontend JavaScript, but, its not advised to do it in the frontend, as your hash is now known to the attacker, eventually leading to a security breach.

The above code just produced SHA512 hash of the string alone, but, to strengthen the security you can also generate SHA512 hash with salt as well.

If you looking to create an SHA-512 hash of a file, please follow the article where we discuss as to how to read a file buffer and create the hash.

Prefer SHA-256 or SHA-512 or other superior cryptographic hash functions for creating a hash for passwords, integrity verification.

It’s as simple as that! You do not need any fancy npm library for creating an SHA-512 hash in Node.js.

I’m glad that you found the content useful. And there we have it! You’ve just navigated the depths of creating a SHA-512 hash in Node.js, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far you’ve come. Remember, the power of cryptography lies not just in applying the techniques but understanding them. Now you have one more tool in your Node.js toolkit that could be the game-changer in your next project. Of course, the journey doesn’t end here. Keep exploring, keep learning, and remember, as developers, our curiosity is what drives us forward. Until next time, Happy Coding.