Submissions Requested for Crypto Hash Workshop

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is soliciting papers, presentations and other submissions for a workshop on Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2005, in Gaithersburg, Md., to discuss a vulnerability in a NIST cryptographic standard known as SHA-1 (Secure Hash Standard). Submission topics include security status of approved hashes, short-term actions and potential replacement options.

SHA-1 is used widely by the federal government and others in cryptographic processes such as digital signatures and message authentication. In February, a team of researchers announced that they had discovered a way to "break" the SHA-1 algorithm. Submissions are due by July 15 and should be sent to hash-function@nist.gov. For more information, see www.csrc.nist.gov/pki/HashWorkshop/index.html.