What is the purpose of hashing in digital forensics?

The purpose of hashing in digital forensics is to create a unique fingerprint of data, which ensures its integrity during an investigation. When a hash function is applied to a set of data, it generates a fixed-size string of characters that is unique to that particular dataset. If even a single bit of the data changes, the hash will produce a completely different output. This property makes hashes extremely valuable in digital forensics, as investigators can use them to verify that the original data has not been altered during analysis or while being transferred between storage media.

By comparing the hash values of the original data and any copies or duplicates made during the forensic process, investigators can confidently state that the evidence remains intact. This integrity check is vital in legal situations where the authenticity of the evidence needs to be established. The other options do not directly relate to the primary function of hashing in the context of digital forensics, focusing instead on areas such as security, confidentiality, or data backup, which are more peripheral functions.