Fast keyed hash/pseudo-random function using SIMD multiply and permute

TL;DR

HighwayHash is a new fast pseudo-random function leveraging SIMD multiply and permute instructions, offering significant speed improvements over SipHash, with promising cryptographic properties and practical applications.

Contribution

It introduces HighwayHash, a novel SIMD-based hash function that is faster than existing solutions like SipHash and includes comprehensive analysis and open-source implementation.

Findings

5.2 times faster than SipHash for 1 KiB inputs

Provides statistical analysis and speed measurements

Preliminary cryptanalysis suggests strong security assumptions

Abstract

HighwayHash is a new pseudo-random function based on SIMD multiply and permute instructions for thorough and fast hashing. It is 5.2 times as fast as SipHash for 1 KiB inputs. An open-source implementation is available under a permissive license. We discuss design choices and provide statistical analysis, speed measurements and preliminary cryptanalysis. Assuming it withstands further analysis, strengthened variants may also substantially accelerate file checksums and stream ciphers.