Secure hash function (one-way hash function) is not only used in message authentication but in digit signatures (Stallings & Brown, 2008, p. 54). Using the APA writing style, write a 23 page paper that answers the following questions: What is the purpose of the hash function? How is it useful to message authentication? What are the 7 main characteristics that are needed in a secure hash function? How is a hash function considered a weak or strong function?