Question 15

Hashing is the method to verify the integrity of a file transferred from one device to another.

Hashing involves generating a unique fixed-size string of characters (the hash) from the data in the file, which can then be used to verify that the file has not been altered during transfer.

A) Authentication

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or device, not directly related to the integrity of a file. While it ensures that the entities involved are legitimate, it does not confirm whether the file itself has remained unchanged during the transfer process.

B) Obfuscation

Obfuscation involves making data difficult to understand or interpret, which does not provide a mechanism for verifying file integrity. It serves to protect the content from being easily discerned but does not ensure that the file has not been modified.

C) Hashing

Hashing is the correct method for verifying the integrity of a file, as it creates a unique hash value based on the file’s contents. If the file is altered in any way during transfer, the hash value will change, indicating a loss of integrity.

D) Encryption

Encryption secures the contents of a file from unauthorized access but does not verify its integrity. While encryption protects data confidentiality, it does not provide a check to determine if the file remains unchanged during the transfer process.

Conclusion

Hashing is the definitive method for verifying file integrity, as it allows for the detection of any changes made during the transfer. All other options, while important in their own right, either focus on identity verification, data protection, or content obscurity rather than ensuring that the file itself has not been tampered with.