200-201 Question 218
Single answerA security analyst is investigating a potential data breach and has been provided with a file suspected of containing critical information. To verify the integrity of the file and compare it to the original version, the analyst decides to compute the file's hash. Which of the following statements about hashes is correct?
- A
A hash is a one-way function that produces a fixed-length output, regardless of the input size.
- B
Hashes can be reversed to retrieve the original data if the correct algorithm is used.
- C
Two different files will always produce different hash values using the same algorithm.
- D
Hashing is primarily used for encrypting data during transmission.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Hashes are mathematical one-way functions that produce a fixed-length output regardless of the input size. They are commonly used for verifying data integrity, ensuring that changes to a file or data can be detected. Unlike encryption, hashing does not allow for the original data to be reconstructed. While rare, hash collisions can occur, so two different files may sometimes produce the same hash value.
- A. Correct.
This is correct. Hashing is a one-way function that generates a fixed-length output, known as the hash, regardless of the input's size or content.
- B. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. Hashing is a one-way process, meaning it cannot be reversed to retrieve the original data.
- C. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. Hash collisions can occur, where two different inputs produce the same hash value, though this is rare with modern algorithms.
- D. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. Hashing is not encryption; it is used for integrity verification and other purposes, but not for protecting data during transmission.