Which of the following hash algorithms is the weakest?

SHA-1 is considered the weakest among the listed hash algorithms due to its vulnerabilities that have been extensively documented over the years. While it was once widely used, research has shown that SHA-1 is susceptible to collision attacks, where two different inputs can produce the same hash output. This is particularly concerning because it undermines the integrity of data verification, a critical aspect of cybersecurity.

The cryptographic community has shifted towards stronger algorithms like SHA-256 and SHA-512, which provide better security due to their longer bit lengths, making them more resistant to attacks. RSA 4096, while a strong encryption algorithm, does not function as a hashing algorithm; it is primarily used for encryption and digital signatures, but it is highly secure in its context, further illustrating the relative weakness of SHA-1 in the context of hash algorithms.

This context highlights why SHA-1 is no longer recommended for secure applications, reinforcing its status as the weakest choice in this scenario.