Google announces a method to create SHA1 collisions

A joint research between Google and the Dutch Institute CWI has managed to create a technique to generate two different PDF files with the same SHA-1 hash. According to Google, the possibility of creating hash collisions reveals the need to stop using the SHA-1 algorithm for the calculation of hashes, since this would compromise the validity of the hashes to guarantee the authenticity and integrity of information.

The SHA-1 algorithm was created in 1995 and is currently used in processes of digital signature and files authenticity and integrity.