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How to verify SHA256 hash?

by | Nov 16, 2023 | Technology | 0 comments

A SHA-256 hash, part of the SHA-2 (Secure Hash Algorithm 2) family, is a cryptographic hash function widely used for data integrity and digital signature verification. Operating on a 256-bit length, it converts input data, no matter its size, into a fixed-size alphanumeric string. The resulting hash is unique to the input data, making it a crucial tool in ensuring data integrity and secure communication across various digital platforms.

In simple terms, a SHA-256 hash is like a digital fingerprint for any piece of information, whether it’s a password, a document, or even a cat picture. Just as each person has a unique fingerprint, this algorithm creates a unique “hash code” for each set of data. Even a tiny change in the original data will result in a completely different hash, making it a reliable way to ensure that data hasn’t been tampered with.

Think of it as a security guard for your digital files. When you download something from the internet, the SHA-256 hash lets you verify that what you received is exactly what was intended, without any sneaky changes along the way. It’s like sealing a letter with a unique stamp – if the seal matches when you receive the letter, you can be confident that it hasn’t been opened or altered during its journey.

Verify SHA256 Hash
Verify SHA256 Hash on Windows

Verify the SHA256 hash of an image on a Windows using the built-in `CertUtil` command-line utility:

  1. Open Command Prompt.
  2. Browse to the location of the file.
  3. Type CertUtil -hashfile [FILENAME] SHA256
    and press Enter. Replace `[FILENAME]` with the name of the file.

This command will return the SHA256 hash of the file located at the specified path.

Note that you’ll be comparing this hash with the provided SHA256 hash. If they match, it means the file has not been tampered with during transmission¹. If there’s a discrepancy, it could indicate that the file was altered.

Verify SHA256 Hash on Mac

Verify the SHA256 hash of an image on a Mac using the built-in shasum or openssl command-line utility:

  1. Open Terminal.
  2. Navigate to the location of the file.
  3. Use one of the following commands:

For shasum type:
shasum -a 256 /path/to/file
and press Enter. Replace /path/to/file with the path of your file.

For openssl type:
openssl sha256 /full/path/to/your/file
and press Enter. Replace /full/path/to/your/file with the full path of your file.

These commands will return the SHA256 hash of the file located at the specified path.

Note that you’ll be comparing this hash with the provided SHA256 hash. If they match, it means the file has not been tampered with during transmission¹. If there’s a discrepancy, it could indicate that the file was altered.

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