This work presents recent developments in hashing algorithm
design. Hashing is the process of creating a short digest
(i.e., 64 bits) for a message of arbitrary length, for exam-
ple 20 Mbytes. Hashing algorithms were first used for sear-
ching records in databases; they are central for digital si-
gnature applications and are used for authentication without
secrecy. Covering all practical and theoretical issues
related to the design of secure hashing algorithms the book
is self contained; it includes an extensive bibliography on
the topic.