MD5 vs SHA-256 Comparison

Example:

MD5: 128-bit, fast, INSECURE
SHA-256: 256-bit, fast, SECURE

Use SHA-256 for:
✓ Passwords (with salt)
✓ File integrity
✓ Digital signatures

MD5 ok for:
✓ Non-security checksums
✓ ETags

MD5 is cryptographically broken and deprecated. Use SHA-256 for security applications. MD5 only for non-security checksums.

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FAQs

Is MD5 ever safe to use?

Only for non-security purposes like checksums, ETags, or when backward compatibility is required. Never for passwords or signatures.