Author: abylonsoft - Dr. Thomas Klabunde - Published on: 04.01.2025
Hash value check files are a crucial tool for ensuring the security and integrity of data. They enable quick and reliable verification that files have not been tampered with or corrupted during storage, transfer or archiving. They are particularly important in areas such as software audits, backup protection, data transfers and other security-related applications. In this article, we will introduce key uses of hash value check files and explain how the abylon FREEHASH software helps with their application.
A hash value is a unique identifier of a file that is calculated using a mathematical algorithm. Each file has a unique hash value, which is derived based on the files content. If even a single bit of the file is changed, the hash value changes dramatically. Hashes are therefore extremely useful for checking the integrity of files and ensuring that they have not been tampered with.
One of the main uses of a hash check file is to check whether a file has not been changed since it was created or transferred. For example, if you receive a file from a website or via email, you can compare the hash of the file with the value stored in the check file. If both match, the file is most likely intact and not tampered with.
Example: When you download software from a website, the provider often provides the hash of the file. After the download, you can calculate the hash of the downloaded file and compare it with the value provided to ensure that the file has not been modified or corrupted.
Hash check files are often used to ensure that software packages or files come from a trusted source and are not infected with malicious software or malware. Since the hash value of a file's content is unique, any modification to the file will dramatically change the hash value.
Example: A company might provide a hash value check file to ensure that all downloaded installation files of their software have not been altered by viruses or Trojans.
When sending files over networks or creating backups, it can be helpful to create a hash value check file. This allows the integrity of the data to be verified after the file has been transferred or restored to ensure that it was transferred or restored correctly without any data being lost or altered.
Example: When transferring large files over the Internet or backing up data to an external drive, a hash value check file can help verify the completeness and accuracy of the files.
When archiving important data, a hash value audit file can ensure that the archived data has not been corrupted or altered during the entire retention period. This is especially important in areas such as legal or financial archiving, where the integrity of documents must be ensured for years.
Example: If a company archives important contracts or documents, it can create a hash value audit file to verify at a later date that the archived documents have remained unchanged.
Many software developers and distributors publish hash values of their installation files to ensure that users are downloading the original, unmodified versions. Users can verify the integrity of the downloaded program by comparing the hash value with the published value.
Example: An open source software website could provide a hash value check file for its downloadable programs so that users can ensure that the file has not been modified by a third party.
Hash values are also a fundamental element in digital signatures and certificates. They help verify the authenticity and integrity of documents that have been digitally signed. The hash value of the document is encrypted and transmitted along with the digital signature. Recipients can calculate the hash value themselves and compare it with the encrypted value to ensure that the document has not been modified.
Example: A company could digitally sign a document, and the recipient can use the hash check digit to ensure the integrity of the document.
When software updates are provided, hash check files can be used to ensure that the update comes from the original vendor correctly and unmodified. This prevents the risk of an update being tampered with or infected with malware.
Example: For a software update, the vendor can provide a hash check file for the update. The user can verify the hash of the update before installing it.
abylon FREEHASH is a free software for private use that allows users to calculate and check hash values (check digits) of files. These hash values are used to ensure the integrity and authenticity of files. The software is a useful application for anyone who wants to ensure that their files have not been changed after transfer or during storage.
abylon FREEHASH offers a simple way to calculate and check hash values of files. Key features include:
In the following paragraphs we explain step by step how to create a hash value verification file with abylon FREEHASH.
After opening the abylon FREEHASH app, the desired files are selected via the Add menu and the sub-item Add file or Add directory. The screenshot shows the Add directories option with the folder selection window. Alternatively, files can also be added via drag & drop.
Depending on the number and size of the files, reading and analyzing the files can take some time. A progress bar is shown in the top right.
To create the hash test file, first select the desired files, for example using Select all. Then select the desired hash algorithm using Create hash test file. Currently (2025) the hash algorithms MD5, SHA1, SHA256 and SHA512 are offered. The hash test files are then created for the selected files.
Alternatively, the determined hash value can be appended to the file name using the menu item Rename file.
The hash test file is created in the same directory as the associated file. It has the same file name and the name of the hash algorithm as the file extension. In our case, the file is called addlocaluser.sha256. The hash test file is a simple text file. It can be opened with the Windows editor Notepad, for example.
The abylon FREEHASH software automatically checks whether a hash test file or the hash value is present in the file name. If the files are unchanged, the fields in the table are highlighted in green. In addition, the comparison result for the selected file (highlighted in blue) is displayed at the bottom of the right-hand column with a green tick and what it was compared with. If there are differences, i.e. if the hash values do not match, the file is highlighted in red in the table and marked with a red prohibition sign.
The hash value check is always carried out automatically as soon as the corresponding hash value test file is present or the hash value is stored in the file name. In addition, a hash value from the clipboard can be inserted into the comparison field.
In the left column, additional file information about the selected file is also displayed and the abylonsoft process information online tool can be opened. To do this, the SHA256 hash value is passed in the URL. This hash value is compared with numerous virus scanner engines using the virus tool Virustotal.com and the result is displayed. The only requirement is that the selected file has already been checked by Virustotal.
Hash value test files are a valuable tool for the security and integrity of data and files. They offer an easy way to ensure that files have not been tampered with or damaged during storage, transfer or archiving. They are an indispensable tool for verifying software, backups, data transfers and in many other security-critical scenarios.
Abylon FREEHASH is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a simple solution for calculating and verifying hash values. It offers a high level of security and allows the integrity of files to be verified, which is particularly useful in software development, data transfer or archiving important files. If you want to make sure that your files have not been changed, abylon FREEHASH is an indispensable aid.
Alternatively, various hash values can also be created with the online tool from abylonsoft!
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