Creating an MD5 hash for files ensures which aspect of data security?

Creating an MD5 hash for files primarily ensures the integrity of the data. Hash functions like MD5 take an input (or 'message') and return a fixed-size string of characters, which is typically a sequence of numbers and letters. When a file is hashed, any changes to the file's content will produce a different hash value. This property allows users to verify whether a file has been altered or corrupted over time.

By comparing the hash value calculated at different times or locations, one can ascertain if the data remains unchanged, confirming its integrity. In practical applications, such as software downloads or data storage, this technique assures users that the data they receive or retain is exactly what was originally intended, free from tampering or corruption.

While aspects such as confidentiality, availability, and least privilege are critical components of a comprehensive security strategy, they do not directly relate to the use of MD5 hashing. Confidentiality pertains to restricting access to sensitive information, availability refers to ensuring that data is accessible when needed, and least privilege involves limiting user permissions to the minimum necessary for their role. None of these themes encompass the principle of confirming that data remains unaltered, which is the core function of hash functions like MD5.