diff --git a/.github/workflows/build.yml b/.github/workflows/build.yml
index 1d66d745..ba367396 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/build.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/build.yml
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     strategy:
       matrix:
-        node-version: [10.x, 12.x, 13.x]
+        node-version: [10.x, 12.x, 13.x, 14.x]
 
     steps:
       - name: Use Node.js ${{ matrix.node-version }}
diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 440e84a1..70d5f8e6 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -6,6 +6,140 @@ The format is based on [Keep a Changelog](http://keepachangelog.com/en/1.0.0/)
 (modification: no type change headlines) and this project adheres to
 [Semantic Versioning](http://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0.html).
 
+## [7.0.0] - 2020-04-30
+
+This release comes with significant changes to the API, updated versions of
+the core crypto libraries and substantial developer improvements in the form
+of a refactored test suite and API documentation.
+
+### API Changes
+
+Changes to the API have been discussed in Issue
+[#172](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/issues/172) and are
+guided by the principles of:
+
+- Make the API more typestrict
+- Be less ambiguous regarding accepted values
+- Avoid implicit type conversions
+- Be more explicit on wrong input (just: throw)
+
+While the implemented changes come with some additional need for manual type
+conversions depending on the usage context, they should finally lead to
+cleaner usage patterns on the cosuming side and a more predictable, robust and
+less error-prone control flow.
+
+Some note: for methods where `Buffer` usage is now enforced you can use the
+`Bytes.toBuffer()` method for conversion.
+
+#### Account Module
+
+##### Enforced Hex Prefixing for Address Strings
+
+PR: [#241](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/pull/241)
+
+Hex prefixing is now enforced for all address string inputs and functions
+will throw if a non-hex string is provided:
+
+- `Account.isValidAddress()`
+- `Account.isZeroAddress()`
+- `Account.toChecksumAddress()`
+- `Account.isValidChecksumAddress()`
+
+The `Account.isPrecompile()` method was removed from the code base,
+PR [#242](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/pull/242)
+
+##### Enforce Buffer Inputs for Account Methods
+
+PR: [#245](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/pull/245)
+
+Implicit `Buffer` conversions for the following methods have been removed
+and `Buffer` inputs are now enforced:
+
+- `Account.generateAddress()`
+- `Account.generateAddress2()`
+- `Account.pubToAddress()`
+- `AccountprivateToPublic()`
+- `AccountimportPublic()`
+
+#### Bytes Module
+
+##### Typestrict Methods and Type-Explicit Method Split-Up
+
+PR: [#244](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/pull/244)
+
+- Enforced `Buffer` input for `Bytes.setLengthLeft()`, `Bytes.setLengthRight()`
+- `Bytes.setLength()` has been removed (alias for `Bytes.setLengthLeft()`)
+- `Bytes.stripZeros()` has been removed (alias for `Bytes.unPad()`)
+- `Bytes.unpad` has been split up into:
+  - `Bytes.unpadBuffer()`
+  - `Bytes.unpadHexString()`
+  - `Bytes.unpadArray()`
+
+#### Hash Module
+
+##### Typestrict Methods and Type-Explicit Method Split-Up
+
+PR [#247](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/pull/247)
+
+The following methods are now `Buffer`-only:
+
+- `Hash.keccak()`
+- `Hash.keccak256()`
+- `Hash.sha256()`
+- `Hash.ripemd160()`
+
+`Hash.keccak()` gets the following additional convenience methods:
+
+- `Hash.keccakFromString()`
+- `Hash.keccakFromHexString()` (hex string enforced)
+  `Hash.keccakFromArray()`
+
+`Hash.sha256()` gets the following additional convenience methods:
+
+- `Hash.sha256FromString()`
+- `Hash.sha256FromArray()`
+
+`Hash.ripemd160()` gets the following additional convenience methods:
+
+- `Hash.ripemd160FromString()`
+- `Hash.ripemd160FromArray()`
+
+#### Other Breaking Changes
+
+- Added support for Node 14,
+  PR [#249](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/pull/249)
+- Dropped support for Node `8` along
+  PR [#228](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/pull/228)
+- Updated `BN.js` library re-export from `4.x` to `5.x`,
+  PR [#249], https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/pull/249
+- Removed `secp2561` re-export (use methods provided or import directly),
+  PR [#228](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/pull/228)
+
+### Cryto Library Updates: Keccak, secp2561
+
+`Keccak` dependency has been updated from `2.1.0` to `3.0.0`. This version
+comes with prebuilds for Linux, MacOS and Windows so most users won't need
+to have `node-gyp` run on installation.
+
+The version update also brings in feature compatibility with newer Node.js
+versions.
+
+The `secp2561` ECDSA dependency has been updated from `3.0.1` to `4.0.1`.
+
+### Developer Improvements
+
+- Refactored test suite (module split-up, headless Firefox and Chrome),
+  PR [#231](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/pull/231)
+- Moved CI from Travis to GitHub Actions,
+  PR [#231](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/pull/231)
+- Improved and updated `TypeDoc` API documentation,
+  PR [#232](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/pull/232) and
+  PR [#236](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/pull/236)
+- Basic API tests for re-exports (BN.js, RLP, ethjsUtil),
+  PR [#235](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/pull/235)
+
+[7.0.0]: https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/compare/v6.2.0...v7.0.0
+
 ## [6.2.0] - 2019-11-06
 
 This release comes with a new file structure, related functionality is now broken
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index b8fff2fa..6c80f95d 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ assert.equal(new BN('dead', 16).add(new BN('101010', 2)), 57047)
   - Signing, signature validation, conversion, recovery
 - [externals](docs/modules/_externals_.md)
   - Helper methods from `ethjs-util`
-  - Re-exports of `BN`, `rlp`, `secp256k1`
+  - Re-exports of `BN`, `rlp`
 
 ### ethjs-util methods
 
@@ -72,7 +72,6 @@ Additionally `ethereumjs-util` re-exports a few commonly-used libraries. These i
 
 - `BN` ([bn.js](https://github.com/indutny/bn.js))
 - `rlp` ([rlp](https://github.com/ethereumjs/rlp))
-- `secp256k1` ([secp256k1](https://github.com/cryptocoinjs/secp256k1-node/))
 
 # EthereumJS
 
diff --git a/docs/README.md b/docs/README.md
index 32867b8b..5d7c9d69 100644
--- a/docs/README.md
+++ b/docs/README.md
@@ -11,5 +11,6 @@
 * ["constants"](modules/_constants_.md)
 * ["externals"](modules/_externals_.md)
 * ["hash"](modules/_hash_.md)
+* ["helpers"](modules/_helpers_.md)
 * ["object"](modules/_object_.md)
 * ["signature"](modules/_signature_.md)
diff --git a/docs/interfaces/_signature_.ecdsasignature.md b/docs/interfaces/_signature_.ecdsasignature.md
index 428fbc16..d7ec8c62 100644
--- a/docs/interfaces/_signature_.ecdsasignature.md
+++ b/docs/interfaces/_signature_.ecdsasignature.md
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 
 • **r**: *Buffer*
 
-*Defined in [signature.ts:8](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/signature.ts#L8)*
+*Defined in [signature.ts:9](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/signature.ts#L9)*
 
 ___
 
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ ___
 
 • **s**: *Buffer*
 
-*Defined in [signature.ts:9](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/signature.ts#L9)*
+*Defined in [signature.ts:10](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/signature.ts#L10)*
 
 ___
 
@@ -36,4 +36,4 @@ ___
 
 • **v**: *number*
 
-*Defined in [signature.ts:7](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/signature.ts#L7)*
+*Defined in [signature.ts:8](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/signature.ts#L8)*
diff --git a/docs/modules/_account_.md b/docs/modules/_account_.md
index 720a3c3b..b7a054eb 100644
--- a/docs/modules/_account_.md
+++ b/docs/modules/_account_.md
@@ -13,7 +13,6 @@
 * [generateAddress](_account_.md#const-generateaddress)
 * [generateAddress2](_account_.md#const-generateaddress2)
 * [importPublic](_account_.md#const-importpublic)
-* [isPrecompiled](_account_.md#const-isprecompiled)
 * [isValidAddress](_account_.md#const-isvalidaddress)
 * [isValidChecksumAddress](_account_.md#const-isvalidchecksumaddress)
 * [isValidPrivate](_account_.md#const-isvalidprivate)
@@ -31,7 +30,7 @@
 
 • **publicToAddress**: *pubToAddress* = pubToAddress
 
-*Defined in [account.ts:163](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L163)*
+*Defined in [account.ts:160](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L160)*
 
 ## Functions
 
@@ -39,7 +38,7 @@
 
 ▸ **generateAddress**(`from`: Buffer, `nonce`: Buffer): *Buffer*
 
-*Defined in [account.ts:75](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L75)*
+*Defined in [account.ts:82](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L82)*
 
 Generates an address of a newly created contract.
 
@@ -56,9 +55,9 @@ ___
 
 ### `Const` generateAddress2
 
-▸ **generateAddress2**(`from`: Buffer | string, `salt`: Buffer | string, `initCode`: Buffer | string): *Buffer*
+▸ **generateAddress2**(`from`: Buffer, `salt`: Buffer, `initCode`: Buffer): *Buffer*
 
-*Defined in [account.ts:95](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L95)*
+*Defined in [account.ts:103](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L103)*
 
 Generates an address for a contract created using CREATE2.
 
@@ -66,9 +65,9 @@ Generates an address for a contract created using CREATE2.
 
 Name | Type | Description |
 ------ | ------ | ------ |
-`from` | Buffer | string | The address which is creating this new address |
-`salt` | Buffer | string | A salt |
-`initCode` | Buffer | string | The init code of the contract being created  |
+`from` | Buffer | The address which is creating this new address |
+`salt` | Buffer | A salt |
+`initCode` | Buffer | The init code of the contract being created  |
 
 **Returns:** *Buffer*
 
@@ -78,7 +77,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **importPublic**(`publicKey`: Buffer): *Buffer*
 
-*Defined in [account.ts:186](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L186)*
+*Defined in [account.ts:183](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L183)*
 
 Converts a public key to the Ethereum format.
 
@@ -92,29 +91,11 @@ Name | Type |
 
 ___
 
-### `Const` isPrecompiled
-
-▸ **isPrecompiled**(`address`: Buffer | string): *boolean*
-
-*Defined in [account.ts:117](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L117)*
-
-Returns true if the supplied address belongs to a precompiled account (Byzantium).
-
-**Parameters:**
-
-Name | Type |
------- | ------ |
-`address` | Buffer | string |
-
-**Returns:** *boolean*
-
-___
-
 ### `Const` isValidAddress
 
-▸ **isValidAddress**(`address`: string): *boolean*
+▸ **isValidAddress**(`hexAddress`: string): *boolean*
 
-*Defined in [account.ts:20](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L20)*
+*Defined in [account.ts:21](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L21)*
 
 Checks if the address is a valid. Accepts checksummed addresses too.
 
@@ -122,7 +103,7 @@ Checks if the address is a valid. Accepts checksummed addresses too.
 
 Name | Type |
 ------ | ------ |
-`address` | string |
+`hexAddress` | string |
 
 **Returns:** *boolean*
 
@@ -130,9 +111,9 @@ ___
 
 ### `Const` isValidChecksumAddress
 
-▸ **isValidChecksumAddress**(`address`: string, `eip1191ChainId?`: undefined | number): *boolean*
+▸ **isValidChecksumAddress**(`hexAddress`: string, `eip1191ChainId?`: undefined | number): *boolean*
 
-*Defined in [account.ts:66](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L66)*
+*Defined in [account.ts:70](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L70)*
 
 Checks if the address is a valid checksummed address.
 
@@ -142,7 +123,7 @@ See toChecksumAddress' documentation for details about the eip1191ChainId parame
 
 Name | Type |
 ------ | ------ |
-`address` | string |
+`hexAddress` | string |
 `eip1191ChainId?` | undefined | number |
 
 **Returns:** *boolean*
@@ -153,7 +134,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **isValidPrivate**(`privateKey`: Buffer): *boolean*
 
-*Defined in [account.ts:125](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L125)*
+*Defined in [account.ts:121](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L121)*
 
 Checks if the private key satisfies the rules of the curve secp256k1.
 
@@ -171,7 +152,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **isValidPublic**(`publicKey`: Buffer, `sanitize`: boolean): *boolean*
 
-*Defined in [account.ts:135](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L135)*
+*Defined in [account.ts:131](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L131)*
 
 Checks if the public key satisfies the rules of the curve secp256k1
 and the requirements of Ethereum.
@@ -189,9 +170,9 @@ ___
 
 ### `Const` isZeroAddress
 
-▸ **isZeroAddress**(`address`: string): *boolean*
+▸ **isZeroAddress**(`hexAddress`: string): *boolean*
 
-*Defined in [account.ts:27](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L27)*
+*Defined in [account.ts:29](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L29)*
 
 Checks if a given address is a zero address.
 
@@ -199,7 +180,7 @@ Checks if a given address is a zero address.
 
 Name | Type |
 ------ | ------ |
-`address` | string |
+`hexAddress` | string |
 
 **Returns:** *boolean*
 
@@ -209,7 +190,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **privateToAddress**(`privateKey`: Buffer): *Buffer*
 
-*Defined in [account.ts:169](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L169)*
+*Defined in [account.ts:166](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L166)*
 
 Returns the ethereum address of a given private key.
 
@@ -227,7 +208,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **privateToPublic**(`privateKey`: Buffer): *Buffer*
 
-*Defined in [account.ts:177](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L177)*
+*Defined in [account.ts:174](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L174)*
 
 Returns the ethereum public key of a given private key.
 
@@ -245,7 +226,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **pubToAddress**(`pubKey`: Buffer, `sanitize`: boolean): *Buffer*
 
-*Defined in [account.ts:154](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L154)*
+*Defined in [account.ts:151](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L151)*
 
 Returns the ethereum address of a given public key.
 Accepts "Ethereum public keys" and SEC1 encoded keys.
@@ -263,9 +244,9 @@ ___
 
 ### `Const` toChecksumAddress
 
-▸ **toChecksumAddress**(`address`: string, `eip1191ChainId?`: undefined | number): *string*
+▸ **toChecksumAddress**(`hexAddress`: string, `eip1191ChainId?`: undefined | number): *string*
 
-*Defined in [account.ts:42](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L42)*
+*Defined in [account.ts:45](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L45)*
 
 Returns a checksummed address.
 
@@ -280,7 +261,7 @@ used variation in Ethereum was without the chainId. This may change in the futur
 
 Name | Type |
 ------ | ------ |
-`address` | string |
+`hexAddress` | string |
 `eip1191ChainId?` | undefined | number |
 
 **Returns:** *string*
@@ -291,7 +272,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **zeroAddress**(): *string*
 
-*Defined in [account.ts:11](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L11)*
+*Defined in [account.ts:12](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/account.ts#L12)*
 
 Returns a zero address.
 
diff --git a/docs/modules/_bytes_.md b/docs/modules/_bytes_.md
index 14cb64bc..9fb775c1 100644
--- a/docs/modules/_bytes_.md
+++ b/docs/modules/_bytes_.md
@@ -4,11 +4,6 @@
 
 ## Index
 
-### Variables
-
-* [setLength](_bytes_.md#const-setlength)
-* [stripZeros](_bytes_.md#const-stripzeros)
-
 ### Functions
 
 * [addHexPrefix](_bytes_.md#const-addhexprefix)
@@ -20,32 +15,18 @@
 * [setLengthRight](_bytes_.md#const-setlengthright)
 * [toBuffer](_bytes_.md#const-tobuffer)
 * [toUnsigned](_bytes_.md#const-tounsigned)
-* [unpad](_bytes_.md#const-unpad)
+* [unpadArray](_bytes_.md#const-unpadarray)
+* [unpadBuffer](_bytes_.md#const-unpadbuffer)
+* [unpadHexString](_bytes_.md#const-unpadhexstring)
 * [zeros](_bytes_.md#const-zeros)
 
-## Variables
-
-### `Const` setLength
-
-• **setLength**: *setLengthLeft* = setLengthLeft
-
-*Defined in [bytes.ts:37](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L37)*
-
-___
-
-### `Const` stripZeros
-
-• **stripZeros**: *unpad* = unpad
-
-*Defined in [bytes.ts:64](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L64)*
-
 ## Functions
 
 ### `Const` addHexPrefix
 
 ▸ **addHexPrefix**(`str`: string): *string*
 
-*Defined in [bytes.ts:135](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L135)*
+*Defined in [bytes.ts:176](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L176)*
 
 Adds "0x" to a given `String` if it does not already start with "0x".
 
@@ -63,7 +44,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **baToJSON**(`ba`: any): *any*
 
-*Defined in [bytes.ts:148](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L148)*
+*Defined in [bytes.ts:189](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L189)*
 
 Converts a `Buffer` or `Array` to JSON.
 
@@ -83,7 +64,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **bufferToHex**(`buf`: Buffer): *string*
 
-*Defined in [bytes.ts:111](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L111)*
+*Defined in [bytes.ts:152](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L152)*
 
 Converts a `Buffer` into a `0x`-prefixed hex `String`.
 
@@ -101,7 +82,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **bufferToInt**(`buf`: Buffer): *number*
 
-*Defined in [bytes.ts:103](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L103)*
+*Defined in [bytes.ts:144](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L144)*
 
 Converts a `Buffer` to a `Number`.
 
@@ -119,7 +100,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **fromSigned**(`num`: Buffer): *BN*
 
-*Defined in [bytes.ts:120](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L120)*
+*Defined in [bytes.ts:161](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L161)*
 
 Interprets a `Buffer` as a signed integer and returns a `BN`. Assumes 256-bit numbers.
 
@@ -135,46 +116,45 @@ ___
 
 ### `Const` setLengthLeft
 
-▸ **setLengthLeft**(`msg`: any, `length`: number, `right`: boolean): *any*
+▸ **setLengthLeft**(`msg`: Buffer, `length`: number): *Buffer‹›*
 
 *Defined in [bytes.ts:20](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L20)*
 
-Left Pads an `Array` or `Buffer` with leading zeros till it has `length` bytes.
+Left Pads a `Buffer` with leading zeros till it has `length` bytes.
 Or it truncates the beginning if it exceeds.
 
 **Parameters:**
 
-Name | Type | Default | Description |
------- | ------ | ------ | ------ |
-`msg` | any | - | the value to pad (Buffer|Array) |
-`length` | number | - | the number of bytes the output should be |
-`right` | boolean | false | whether to start padding form the left or right |
+Name | Type | Description |
+------ | ------ | ------ |
+`msg` | Buffer | the value to pad (Buffer) |
+`length` | number | the number of bytes the output should be |
 
-**Returns:** *any*
+**Returns:** *Buffer‹›*
 
-(Buffer|Array)
+(Buffer)
 
 ___
 
 ### `Const` setLengthRight
 
-▸ **setLengthRight**(`msg`: any, `length`: number): *any*
+▸ **setLengthRight**(`msg`: Buffer, `length`: number): *Buffer‹›*
 
-*Defined in [bytes.ts:46](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L46)*
+*Defined in [bytes.ts:32](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L32)*
 
-Right Pads an `Array` or `Buffer` with leading zeros till it has `length` bytes.
-Or it truncates the beginning if it exceeds.
+Right Pads a `Buffer` with trailing zeros till it has `length` bytes.
+it truncates the end if it exceeds.
 
 **Parameters:**
 
 Name | Type | Description |
 ------ | ------ | ------ |
-`msg` | any | the value to pad (Buffer|Array) |
+`msg` | Buffer | the value to pad (Buffer) |
 `length` | number | the number of bytes the output should be |
 
-**Returns:** *any*
+**Returns:** *Buffer‹›*
 
-(Buffer|Array)
+(Buffer)
 
 ___
 
@@ -182,7 +162,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **toBuffer**(`v`: any): *Buffer*
 
-*Defined in [bytes.ts:70](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L70)*
+*Defined in [bytes.ts:111](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L111)*
 
 Attempts to turn a value into a `Buffer`. As input it supports `Buffer`, `String`, `Number`, null/undefined, `BN` and other objects with a `toArray()` method.
 
@@ -200,7 +180,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **toUnsigned**(`num`: BN): *Buffer*
 
-*Defined in [bytes.ts:128](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L128)*
+*Defined in [bytes.ts:169](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L169)*
 
 Converts a `BN` to an unsigned integer and returns it as a `Buffer`. Assumes 256-bit numbers.
 
@@ -214,23 +194,63 @@ Name | Type | Description |
 
 ___
 
-### `Const` unpad
+### `Const` unpadArray
 
-▸ **unpad**(`a`: any): *any*
+▸ **unpadArray**(`a`: number[]): *number[]*
 
-*Defined in [bytes.ts:55](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L55)*
+*Defined in [bytes.ts:77](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L77)*
 
-Trims leading zeros from a `Buffer` or an `Array`.
+Trims leading zeros from an `Array` (of numbers).
 
 **Parameters:**
 
 Name | Type | Description |
 ------ | ------ | ------ |
-`a` | any | (Buffer|Array|String) |
+`a` | number[] | (number[]) |
 
-**Returns:** *any*
+**Returns:** *number[]*
+
+(number[])
+
+___
+
+### `Const` unpadBuffer
+
+▸ **unpadBuffer**(`a`: Buffer): *Buffer*
+
+*Defined in [bytes.ts:67](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L67)*
+
+Trims leading zeros from a `Buffer`.
+
+**Parameters:**
+
+Name | Type | Description |
+------ | ------ | ------ |
+`a` | Buffer | (Buffer) |
+
+**Returns:** *Buffer*
+
+(Buffer)
+
+___
+
+### `Const` unpadHexString
+
+▸ **unpadHexString**(`a`: string): *string*
+
+*Defined in [bytes.ts:87](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L87)*
+
+Trims leading zeros from a hex-prefixed `String`.
+
+**Parameters:**
+
+Name | Type | Description |
+------ | ------ | ------ |
+`a` | string | (String) |
+
+**Returns:** *string*
 
-(Buffer|Array|String)
+(String)
 
 ___
 
@@ -238,7 +258,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **zeros**(`bytes`: number): *Buffer*
 
-*Defined in [bytes.ts:8](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L8)*
+*Defined in [bytes.ts:9](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/bytes.ts#L9)*
 
 Returns a buffer filled with 0s.
 
diff --git a/docs/modules/_externals_.md b/docs/modules/_externals_.md
index 8fb47642..2d9a6773 100644
--- a/docs/modules/_externals_.md
+++ b/docs/modules/_externals_.md
@@ -4,4 +4,4 @@
 
 Re-exports commonly used modules:
 * Adds [`ethjs-util`](https://github.com/ethjs/ethjs-util) methods.
-* Exports [`BN`](https://github.com/indutny/bn.js), [`rlp`](https://github.com/ethereumjs/rlp), [`secp256k1`](https://github.com/cryptocoinjs/secp256k1-node/).
+* Exports [`BN`](https://github.com/indutny/bn.js), [`rlp`](https://github.com/ethereumjs/rlp).
diff --git a/docs/modules/_hash_.md b/docs/modules/_hash_.md
index 6e952759..da56fa04 100644
--- a/docs/modules/_hash_.md
+++ b/docs/modules/_hash_.md
@@ -8,26 +8,33 @@
 
 * [keccak](_hash_.md#const-keccak)
 * [keccak256](_hash_.md#const-keccak256)
+* [keccakFromArray](_hash_.md#const-keccakfromarray)
+* [keccakFromHexString](_hash_.md#const-keccakfromhexstring)
+* [keccakFromString](_hash_.md#const-keccakfromstring)
 * [ripemd160](_hash_.md#const-ripemd160)
+* [ripemd160FromArray](_hash_.md#const-ripemd160fromarray)
+* [ripemd160FromString](_hash_.md#const-ripemd160fromstring)
 * [rlphash](_hash_.md#const-rlphash)
 * [sha256](_hash_.md#const-sha256)
+* [sha256FromArray](_hash_.md#const-sha256fromarray)
+* [sha256FromString](_hash_.md#const-sha256fromstring)
 
 ## Functions
 
 ### `Const` keccak
 
-▸ **keccak**(`a`: any, `bits`: number): *Buffer*
+▸ **keccak**(`a`: Buffer, `bits`: number): *Buffer*
 
 *Defined in [hash.ts:13](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/hash.ts#L13)*
 
-Creates Keccak hash of the input
+Creates Keccak hash of a Buffer input
 
 **Parameters:**
 
 Name | Type | Default | Description |
 ------ | ------ | ------ | ------ |
-`a` | any | - | The input data (Buffer|Array|String|Number) If the string is a 0x-prefixed hex value it's interpreted as hexadecimal, otherwise as utf8. |
-`bits` | number | 256 | The Keccak width  |
+`a` | Buffer | - | The input data (Buffer) |
+`bits` | number | 256 | (number = 256) The Keccak width  |
 
 **Returns:** *Buffer*
 
@@ -35,9 +42,9 @@ ___
 
 ### `Const` keccak256
 
-▸ **keccak256**(`a`: any): *Buffer*
+▸ **keccak256**(`a`: Buffer): *Buffer*
 
-*Defined in [hash.ts:31](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/hash.ts#L31)*
+*Defined in [hash.ts:24](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/hash.ts#L24)*
 
 Creates Keccak-256 hash of the input, alias for keccak(a, 256).
 
@@ -45,25 +52,120 @@ Creates Keccak-256 hash of the input, alias for keccak(a, 256).
 
 Name | Type | Description |
 ------ | ------ | ------ |
-`a` | any | The input data (Buffer|Array|String|Number)  |
+`a` | Buffer | The input data (Buffer)  |
 
 **Returns:** *Buffer*
 
 ___
 
+### `Const` keccakFromArray
+
+▸ **keccakFromArray**(`a`: number[], `bits`: number): *Buffer‹›*
+
+*Defined in [hash.ts:54](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/hash.ts#L54)*
+
+Creates Keccak hash of a number array input
+
+**Parameters:**
+
+Name | Type | Default | Description |
+------ | ------ | ------ | ------ |
+`a` | number[] | - | The input data (number[]) |
+`bits` | number | 256 | (number = 256) The Keccak width  |
+
+**Returns:** *Buffer‹›*
+
+___
+
+### `Const` keccakFromHexString
+
+▸ **keccakFromHexString**(`a`: string, `bits`: number): *Buffer‹›*
+
+*Defined in [hash.ts:44](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/hash.ts#L44)*
+
+Creates Keccak hash of an 0x-prefixed string input
+
+**Parameters:**
+
+Name | Type | Default | Description |
+------ | ------ | ------ | ------ |
+`a` | string | - | The input data (String) |
+`bits` | number | 256 | (number = 256) The Keccak width  |
+
+**Returns:** *Buffer‹›*
+
+___
+
+### `Const` keccakFromString
+
+▸ **keccakFromString**(`a`: string, `bits`: number): *Buffer‹›*
+
+*Defined in [hash.ts:33](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/hash.ts#L33)*
+
+Creates Keccak hash of a utf-8 string input
+
+**Parameters:**
+
+Name | Type | Default | Description |
+------ | ------ | ------ | ------ |
+`a` | string | - | The input data (String) |
+`bits` | number | 256 | (number = 256) The Keccak width  |
+
+**Returns:** *Buffer‹›*
+
+___
+
 ### `Const` ripemd160
 
-▸ **ripemd160**(`a`: any, `padded`: boolean): *Buffer*
+▸ **ripemd160**(`a`: Buffer, `padded`: boolean): *Buffer*
+
+*Defined in [hash.ts:102](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/hash.ts#L102)*
+
+Creates RIPEMD160 hash of a Buffer input.
+
+**Parameters:**
+
+Name | Type | Description |
+------ | ------ | ------ |
+`a` | Buffer | The input data (Buffer) |
+`padded` | boolean | Whether it should be padded to 256 bits or not  |
+
+**Returns:** *Buffer*
+
+___
 
-*Defined in [hash.ts:51](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/hash.ts#L51)*
+### `Const` ripemd160FromArray
 
-Creates RIPEMD160 hash of the input.
+▸ **ripemd160FromArray**(`a`: number[], `padded`: boolean): *Buffer*
+
+*Defined in [hash.ts:122](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/hash.ts#L122)*
+
+Creates RIPEMD160 hash of a number[] input.
 
 **Parameters:**
 
 Name | Type | Description |
 ------ | ------ | ------ |
-`a` | any | The input data (Buffer|Array|String|Number) |
+`a` | number[] | The input data (number[]) |
+`padded` | boolean | Whether it should be padded to 256 bits or not  |
+
+**Returns:** *Buffer*
+
+___
+
+### `Const` ripemd160FromString
+
+▸ **ripemd160FromString**(`a`: string, `padded`: boolean): *Buffer*
+
+*Defined in [hash.ts:112](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/hash.ts#L112)*
+
+Creates RIPEMD160 hash of a string input.
+
+**Parameters:**
+
+Name | Type | Description |
+------ | ------ | ------ |
+`a` | string | The input data (String) |
 `padded` | boolean | Whether it should be padded to 256 bits or not  |
 
 **Returns:** *Buffer*
@@ -74,7 +176,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **rlphash**(`a`: rlp.Input): *Buffer*
 
-*Defined in [hash.ts:67](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/hash.ts#L67)*
+*Defined in [hash.ts:148](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/hash.ts#L148)*
 
 Creates SHA-3 hash of the RLP encoded version of the input.
 
@@ -90,16 +192,52 @@ ___
 
 ### `Const` sha256
 
-▸ **sha256**(`a`: any): *Buffer*
+▸ **sha256**(`a`: Buffer): *Buffer*
+
+*Defined in [hash.ts:63](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/hash.ts#L63)*
+
+Creates SHA256 hash of a Buffer input.
+
+**Parameters:**
+
+Name | Type | Description |
+------ | ------ | ------ |
+`a` | Buffer | The input data (Buffer)  |
+
+**Returns:** *Buffer*
+
+___
+
+### `Const` sha256FromArray
+
+▸ **sha256FromArray**(`a`: number[]): *Buffer*
+
+*Defined in [hash.ts:81](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/hash.ts#L81)*
+
+Creates SHA256 hash of a number[] input.
+
+**Parameters:**
+
+Name | Type | Description |
+------ | ------ | ------ |
+`a` | number[] | The input data (number[])  |
+
+**Returns:** *Buffer*
+
+___
+
+### `Const` sha256FromString
+
+▸ **sha256FromString**(`a`: string): *Buffer*
 
-*Defined in [hash.ts:39](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/hash.ts#L39)*
+*Defined in [hash.ts:72](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/hash.ts#L72)*
 
-Creates SHA256 hash of the input.
+Creates SHA256 hash of a string input.
 
 **Parameters:**
 
 Name | Type | Description |
 ------ | ------ | ------ |
-`a` | any | The input data (Buffer|Array|String|Number)  |
+`a` | string | The input data (string)  |
 
 **Returns:** *Buffer*
diff --git a/docs/modules/_helpers_.md b/docs/modules/_helpers_.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..70afc005
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/modules/_helpers_.md
@@ -0,0 +1,84 @@
+[ethereumjs-util](../README.md) › ["helpers"](_helpers_.md)
+
+# Module: "helpers"
+
+## Index
+
+### Functions
+
+* [assertIsArray](_helpers_.md#const-assertisarray)
+* [assertIsBuffer](_helpers_.md#const-assertisbuffer)
+* [assertIsHexString](_helpers_.md#const-assertishexstring)
+* [assertIsString](_helpers_.md#const-assertisstring)
+
+## Functions
+
+### `Const` assertIsArray
+
+▸ **assertIsArray**(`input`: number[]): *void*
+
+*Defined in [helpers.ts:29](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/helpers.ts#L29)*
+
+Throws if input is not an array
+
+**Parameters:**
+
+Name | Type | Description |
+------ | ------ | ------ |
+`input` | number[] | value to check  |
+
+**Returns:** *void*
+
+___
+
+### `Const` assertIsBuffer
+
+▸ **assertIsBuffer**(`input`: Buffer): *void*
+
+*Defined in [helpers.ts:18](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/helpers.ts#L18)*
+
+Throws if input is not a buffer
+
+**Parameters:**
+
+Name | Type | Description |
+------ | ------ | ------ |
+`input` | Buffer | value to check  |
+
+**Returns:** *void*
+
+___
+
+### `Const` assertIsHexString
+
+▸ **assertIsHexString**(`input`: string): *void*
+
+*Defined in [helpers.ts:7](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/helpers.ts#L7)*
+
+Throws if a string is not hex prefixed
+
+**Parameters:**
+
+Name | Type | Description |
+------ | ------ | ------ |
+`input` | string | string to check hex prefix of  |
+
+**Returns:** *void*
+
+___
+
+### `Const` assertIsString
+
+▸ **assertIsString**(`input`: string): *void*
+
+*Defined in [helpers.ts:40](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/helpers.ts#L40)*
+
+Throws if input is not a string
+
+**Parameters:**
+
+Name | Type | Description |
+------ | ------ | ------ |
+`input` | string | value to check  |
+
+**Returns:** *void*
diff --git a/docs/modules/_object_.md b/docs/modules/_object_.md
index 983e568c..d6b15ea3 100644
--- a/docs/modules/_object_.md
+++ b/docs/modules/_object_.md
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
 
 ### `Const` defineProperties
 
-▸ **defineProperties**(`self`: any, `fields`: any, `data`: any): *void*
+▸ **defineProperties**(`self`: any, `fields`: any, `data?`: any): *void*
 
 *Defined in [object.ts:17](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/object.ts#L17)*
 
@@ -24,6 +24,6 @@ Name | Type | Description |
 ------ | ------ | ------ |
 `self` | any | the `Object` to define properties on |
 `fields` | any | an array fields to define. Fields can contain: * `name` - the name of the properties * `length` - the number of bytes the field can have * `allowLess` - if the field can be less than the length * `allowEmpty` |
-`data` | any | data to be validated against the definitions |
+`data?` | any | data to be validated against the definitions |
 
 **Returns:** *void*
diff --git a/docs/modules/_signature_.md b/docs/modules/_signature_.md
index 96e7c35b..9c6e67d9 100644
--- a/docs/modules/_signature_.md
+++ b/docs/modules/_signature_.md
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 ▸ **ecrecover**(`msgHash`: Buffer, `v`: number, `r`: Buffer, `s`: Buffer, `chainId?`: undefined | number): *Buffer*
 
-*Defined in [signature.ts:36](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/signature.ts#L36)*
+*Defined in [signature.ts:37](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/signature.ts#L37)*
 
 ECDSA public key recovery from signature.
 
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **ecsign**(`msgHash`: Buffer, `privateKey`: Buffer, `chainId?`: undefined | number): *[ECDSASignature](../interfaces/_signature_.ecdsasignature.md)*
 
-*Defined in [signature.ts:15](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/signature.ts#L15)*
+*Defined in [signature.ts:16](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/signature.ts#L16)*
 
 Returns the ECDSA signature of a message hash.
 
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **fromRpcSig**(`sig`: string): *[ECDSASignature](../interfaces/_signature_.ecdsasignature.md)*
 
-*Defined in [signature.ts:70](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/signature.ts#L70)*
+*Defined in [signature.ts:71](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/signature.ts#L71)*
 
 Convert signature format of the `eth_sign` RPC method to signature parameters
 NOTE: all because of a bug in geth: https://github.com/ethereum/go-ethereum/issues/2053
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **hashPersonalMessage**(`message`: Buffer): *Buffer*
 
-*Defined in [signature.ts:136](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/signature.ts#L136)*
+*Defined in [signature.ts:137](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/signature.ts#L137)*
 
 Returns the keccak-256 hash of `message`, prefixed with the header used by the `eth_sign` RPC call.
 The output of this function can be fed into `ecsign` to produce the same signature as the `eth_sign`
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **isValidSignature**(`v`: number, `r`: Buffer, `s`: Buffer, `homesteadOrLater`: boolean, `chainId?`: undefined | number): *boolean*
 
-*Defined in [signature.ts:95](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/signature.ts#L95)*
+*Defined in [signature.ts:96](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/signature.ts#L96)*
 
 Validate a ECDSA signature.
 
@@ -129,7 +129,7 @@ ___
 
 ▸ **toRpcSig**(`v`: number, `r`: Buffer, `s`: Buffer, `chainId?`: undefined | number): *string*
 
-*Defined in [signature.ts:56](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/signature.ts#L56)*
+*Defined in [signature.ts:57](https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util/blob/master/src/signature.ts#L57)*
 
 Convert signature parameters into the format of `eth_sign` RPC method.
 
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 349c36a7..5729af17 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -1,9 +1,12 @@
 {
   "name": "ethereumjs-util",
-  "version": "6.2.0",
+  "version": "7.0.0",
   "description": "a collection of utility functions for Ethereum",
   "main": "dist/index.js",
   "types": "./dist/index.d.ts",
+  "engines": {
+    "node": ">=10.0.0"
+  },
   "files": [
     "dist"
   ],
@@ -87,7 +90,7 @@
   "homepage": "https://github.com/ethereumjs/ethereumjs-util",
   "dependencies": {
     "@types/bn.js": "^4.11.3",
-    "bn.js": "^4.11.0",
+    "bn.js": "^5.1.1",
     "create-hash": "^1.1.2",
     "ethjs-util": "0.1.6",
     "keccak": "^3.0.0",