When processing speed is the highest priority, which cryptographic algorithm should be used to verify the integrity of a bit-for-bit copy from digital evidence?

The correct answer is A. MD5. In digital forensics, hashing is used to verify that a bit-for-bit copy (forensic image) is identical to the original evidence. When processing speed is the highest priority, MD5 is the fastest option among those listed - it produces a 128-bit hash with lower computational overhe

Submitted by yuki_2020· Apr 18, 2026Protection of Information Assets

Question

Options

AMD5
BSHA-1
CAES
DSHA-2

How the community answered

(61 responses)

A
90% (55)
B
5% (3)
C
3% (2)
D
2% (1)

Explanation

In digital forensics, hashing is used to verify that a bit-for-bit copy (forensic image) is identical to the original evidence. When processing speed is the highest priority, MD5 is the fastest option among those listed - it produces a 128-bit hash with lower computational overhead than SHA-1 or SHA-2. Despite known collision vulnerabilities (making it unsuitable for cryptographic security), MD5 remains widely used in forensic workflows specifically for integrity verification where speed matters and collision attacks are not a practical concern. AES (C) is a symmetric encryption algorithm, not a hashing algorithm, making it incorrect for integrity verification.

Topics

#Cryptographic algorithms#Hashing#Digital forensics#Integrity verification

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