Which of the following algorithms can be used to guarantee the integrity of messages being sent, in transit, or stored? (Choose the best answer)

Symmetric algorithms such as AES provide confidentiality through encryption but do not inherently guarantee integrity - a modified ciphertext may decrypt to altered plaintext without detection unless a separate MAC is used.

Asymmetric algorithms such as RSA provide confidentiality and enable digital signatures, but the integrity check within a digital signature still relies on an underlying hash function applied to the message.

Hashing algorithms such as SHA-256 and SHA-3 generate a deterministic, fixed-length digest from any arbitrary input. Because even a single-bit change to the message produces a completely different hash value, recipients can compare computed hashes to detect unauthorized tampering or corruption. This collision-resistance property makes hashing the definitive cryptographic tool for integrity verification, used in digital signatures, MACs, and file verification workflows.

'Integrity algorithms' is not a recognized or standardized cryptographic category - it is a vague term that does not correspond to any defined class of algorithms.