Abstract. We consider how to build an efficient compression function from a small number of random, noncompressing primitives. Our main goal is to achieve a level of collision resistance as close as possible to the optimal birthday bound. We present a 2n-to-n bit compression function based on three independent n-to-n bit random functions, each called only once. We show that if the three random functions are treated as black boxes then finding collisions requires Θ(2 n/2 /n c) queries for c ≈ 1. This result remains valid if two of the three random functions are replaced by a fixed-key ideal cipher in Davies-Meyer mode (i.e., EK(x) ⊕ x for permutation EK). We also give a heuristic, backed by experimental results, suggesting that the security loss is at most four bits for block sizes up to 256 bits. We believe this is the best result to date on the matter of building a collision-resistant compression function from non-compressing functions. It also relates to an open question from Black et al. (Eurocrypt’05), who showed that compression functions that invoke a single non-compressing random function cannot suffice. We also explore the relationship of our problem with that of doubling the output of a hash function and we show how our compression function can be used to double the output length of ideal hashes.

Dedicated hash functions are cryptographically secure compression functions which are designed specifically for hashing. They intend to form a practical alternative for hash functions based on another cryptographic primitive like a block cipher or modular squaring. About a dozen of dedicated hash functions have been proposed in the literature. This paper discusses the design principles on which these hash functions are based.

Abstract. We revisit the rate-1 blockcipher based hash functions as first studied by Preneel, Govaerts and Vandewalle (Crypto’93) and later extensively analysed by Black, Rogaway and Shrimpton (Crypto’02). We analyse a further generalization where any pre- and postprocessing is considered. This leads to a clearer understanding of the current classification of rate-1 blockcipher based schemes as introduced by Preneel et al. and refined by Black et al. In addition, we also gain insight in chopped, overloaded and supercharged compression functions. In the latter category we propose two compression functions based on a single call to a blockcipher whose collision resistance exceeds the birthday bound on the cipher’s blocklength. 1