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 provide confidentiality by encrypting data with a shared secret key, but do not inherently guarantee integrity.

Asymmetric algorithms support confidentiality and digital signatures but are not used alone to guarantee integrity of arbitrary messages in transit or storage.

Hashing algorithms such as SHA-256 or MD5 compute a fixed-length digest from input data. Because even a single-bit change in the message produces a completely different hash value, recipients can compare hashes to verify data has not been altered in transit or at rest. This one-way, collision-resistant property makes hashing the standard cryptographic mechanism for ensuring message integrity.

'Integrity algorithms' is not a recognized cryptographic category and is a fabricated distractor with no defined technical meaning.