A cryptographic hash is a fixed-length fingerprint of input data. The same file produces the same digest, while a small content change produces a different one. Hashes can help compare files, but an MD5 or SHA-1 match is not a strong authenticity guarantee against a deliberate attacker.
Generate and compare a checksum
Use the same algorithm on both files. A comparison is meaningful only when the algorithm matches and the original checksum came from a source you trust.
- Choose a file or enter text.
- Select the digest algorithm specified by the publisher or workflow.
- Generate the hash and copy it carefully.
- Compare every character with the trusted reference value.
Keep in mind: For security-sensitive integrity checks, prefer SHA-256 or a stronger approved algorithm and verify the checksum through an authenticated channel.