hash algorithm

[Erwan David]

Le Mon  7/07/2003, CL Gilbert disait
> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
> Hash: SHA1
> 
> What is the hash algorithm for, or what is the hash itself for?  And why
> do I have several choices?  Is one better or preferred for a particular
> situation or reason?

Basically a signature is a hash of the message encrypted with your
private key.

there are several hash algorithms, the hash must nbot be too short,
and the recipient of the message must know it in order to verify the
signature.


-- 
Erwan