What is the purpose of a forensic hash program?

A forensic hash program is used to create a unique representation, or hash value, of a data set. This hash value serves as a digital fingerprint that can verify the integrity of the data. When data is hashed using a forensic hash program, it produces a fixed-size string of characters that is unique to the specific content of the data set at that moment.

If any alterations or changes are made to the data, even a tiny modification, the resulting hash value will change significantly. This characteristic is crucial for verifying the authenticity and integrity of evidence, particularly in forensic investigations, where maintaining the original state of digital evidence is vital.

The other options, while related to data handling and security, do not align with the primary function of a forensic hash program. Analyzing network traffic focuses on identifying suspicious behavior rather than ensuring data integrity. Recovering lost files pertains to data recovery techniques, not the hashing process. Encrypting sensitive information is about securing data during transmission, rather than creating a unique identifier for verification purposes.