Definition
A file hash is a sequence of fixed-length characters created by applying a mathematical algorithm to the data within a file.
The generated hash is exclusive to that file and can be used to verify its identity because changing even one bit results in a different hash. It is commonly used in software distribution, digital forensics, and version control.
What are Hash Files Used for?
- To verify the authenticity of a file: For example, you can confirm that the downloaded file is intact by comparing its hash to the hash of the original file.
- To identify and eliminate duplicate files: You can detect identical files by comparing multiple files’ hashes and automatically removing the copies.
- To detect and monitor specific files: Investigators can create a hash of a file and compare it to a database of known files to determine whether it is relevant to the investigation.
- To monitor file modification over time: You can create a new hash every time a file is modified to see what changes have been made and by who.