What process computes the hash value for a binary to help identify and track files across a network?

What process computes the hash value for a binary to help identify and track files across a network?

• A. HashMyFiles
• B. VirusTotal
• C. Imaging tool
• D. File fingerprinting

Answer: (D)

File fingerprinting uses a hash value generated from a file’s contents to identify and track that exact file across systems or a network. By running a cryptographic hash (like MD5, SHA-1, or SHA-256) on the binary, you produce a compact, fixed-size fingerprint that uniquely represents that content. Any change to the file alters the hash, making it easy to detect tampering, confirm integrity, or locate the same file across multiple hosts. Tools that simply compute hashes exist, and services or imaging tools serve other purposes, but the process described—producing a hash to identify and track a file—is file fingerprinting.

File fingerprinting uses a hash value generated from a file’s contents to identify and track that exact file across systems or a network. By running a cryptographic hash (like MD5, SHA-1, or SHA-256) on the binary, you produce a compact, fixed-size fingerprint that uniquely represents that content. Any change to the file alters the hash, making it easy to detect tampering, confirm integrity, or locate the same file across multiple hosts. Tools that simply compute hashes exist, and services or imaging tools serve other purposes, but the process described—producing a hash to identify and track a file—is file fingerprinting.