Episode 40: Hashing and File Integrity Techniques
When a file changes unexpectedly, something important may have happened—and hashing is one of the best tools we have to track it. In this episode, we explain how file hashing works, which algorithms are most commonly used (like SHA-256), and how analysts use hashes to verify file integrity, detect tampering, and cross-reference files with malware databases.
You’ll also learn how to generate hashes manually, how to compare them with known-good or known-bad values, and how to spot when files have been subtly altered. This episode also connects hashing to broader forensic and logging practices, helping you understand how integrity checks fit into baselining, alerting, and remediation workflows. Whether you're investigating a breach or answering a CySA+ performance-based question, this knowledge will prove invaluable. Brought to you by BareMetalCyber.com
