## 4 Enhancements to ShinyAnonymizer Hashing Techniques
### Implementation of Advanced Techniques such as Hashing
#### 4.1.4 XXHASH64
PatientLanguage is hashed with XXHASH64, PatientMaritalStatus is hashed with CRC32, PatientGender is hashed with MD5, and PatientRace is hashed with SHA512. These changes sustain the initial sensitive data's utility for certain kinds of analysis, while turning them into hashed values that make them hard to understand and detect. We highlighted how important it is to select the proper algorithms based on the amount and sensitivity of the data. Regarding its high level of security, SHA-256 is often used in blockchain systems; however, this comes at some price when it comes to computational speed. We suggest that SHA-512, which provides a higher security level with a potentially quicker computing process for certain applications, could be utilized to conquer this cost of computation. Table 4's lack of jointly signed or stated hash values still creates issues concerning the system's willingness to use them. A process similar to blockchain mining can be utilized to validate these hash values, and every hash is verified with a set of criteria and signed digitally to verify its integrity and authenticity. By guaranteeing that the system acknowledges and embraces the hash values, this method enhances the entire data security. Every transaction block in blockchain mining is hashed and must fulfil several specifications, so an extensive amount of processing power is required. To find a hash value that fits the testing criteria, participants may continuously hash the block data with small changes. After that, the network obtains this proper hash, which additional nodes utilize to verify it is correct, by hashing the respective block levels and contrasting the result to the hash that was sent. Each block is integrated into the blockchain, confirming its authenticity and reliability if the hash meets all of the criteria and can be verified by a majority of nodes. Similarly, a verification process can be used in this research, in which numerous nodes or organizations sign digitally and confirm the calculated hash values [23]. This ensures that they are valid and recognized by the system, also complying with security standards and maintaining data integrity. A digital signature method, where each hash value is signed  
by a trustworthy authority, may be utilized to enhance the validity of the hash functions utilized in this research. This signature confirms that the value of the hash was generated and verified in line with the security needs of the system. Also, the confirmation task could be spread between many nodes or controlled using a decentralized validation process similar to blockchain mining. This distributed method enhances security by reducing the risk of one point of failure. It increases system trust by ensuring that multiple parties verify and accept hash numbers separately. Finally, the advanced hashing techniques implemented in ShinyAnonymizer significantly enhance data security and integrity. MD5 provides speed, while SHA-512 is powerful in cryptographic security. CRC32 is helpful in error detection, and XXHASH64 assures high performance. Last but not least, the problem of possible vulnerabilities is addressed by introducing salting, so that the hashed data stays safe, reliable, and suitable for a wide range of applications. The proper selection of a hashing method concerning data sensitivity and application requirements assures security and functionality.