A broken hash function is one that no longer provides the security or integrity expected of it. Hash functions take input data and transform it into a fixed-size string of characters, which appears random. They are crucial for ensuring data integrity, such as in transactions and blockchain structures.When a hash function is considered broken, it usually means that vulnerabilities have been discovered that allow attackers to find collisions. A collision occurs when two different inputs produce the same hash output. If an attacker can exploit this, they can potentially manipulate transactions or deceive systems, undermining trust.This can lead to serious risks, as authentication, digital signatures, and data integrity rely heavily on the robustness of these functions. A broken hash function may require the adoption of a new, more secure algorithm for continued security and trust in transactions. Maintaining strong cryptographic practices is essential to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited.