What is the main security purpose of hashing in the course material?
Answer
To help ensure data integrity
Explanation
### Why this is right
Hashing produces a value that can be compared later to help detect whether data changed. The course assigns hashing to the integrity part of the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability model.
### The concept
A hash function transforms data in one direction. It does not encrypt data for later recovery. A checksum comparison can reveal a difference, but a plain hash by itself does not prove who created the data or checksum. A keyed message authentication code addresses that authentication limitation.
### The other options
- **B. To conceal data so that it can later be decrypted**: this describes encryption.
- **C. To provide system availability**: availability concerns authorized access when needed.
- **D. To distribute a public key**: that is not the purpose of hashing.
### Remember
Hashing helps detect change; encryption helps conceal readable content.
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