What are hash values used for in digital forensics?

Hash values play a crucial role in digital forensics primarily as a method to uniquely identify files and verify their integrity. Each file has a unique hash value produced by a hashing algorithm (like MD5, SHA-1, or SHA-256). This unique value acts like a digital fingerprint for the file; if even a single byte of the file changes, the hash value changes significantly.

In forensic investigations, hash values are used to create a baseline for evidence and ensure that the files being analyzed have not been altered. By comparing the hash values of original files with those found during an investigation, forensic examiners can confirm whether the files are identical and if they have remained intact since they were initially created or last accessed. This capability is vital for maintaining the integrity of evidence in legal proceedings and ensuring accurate and reliable findings.

The other choices provided do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of hash values in digital forensics. Encrypting data refers to securing information from unauthorized access, compressing file sizes pertains to reducing the space a file occupies, and improving system performance involves enhancing the efficiency of computer operations, none of which are relevant to the specific uses of hash values in forensic analysis.