Comment by f33d5173

2 years ago

A hash function is a (CS)PRNG. It has the key property, namely of being indistinguishable from randomness while being generated deterministically.

In fact, `echo "This is my seed" | openssl sha -sha256` is not really a CSPRNG. Hash functions are the bases of many PRNGs. But I think you're abusing an ambiguity with the word "random" here. At any rate: we should be clear now on the point being made about the P-curve seeds.

That is not true. There is no such requirement for a hash function.

  • Thread is talking about cryptographic hash functions, given the context

    • Yes, they don’t output random looking things necessarily. For example a hash function could be collision resistant but not pre image resistant, or vice versa. There’s much more nuance in these definitions.