What Is Computer Hash or Hash Value and How Is It Used?
Computer hash is the mathmatical representation of all characters in a file. It can, but does not necessarily W
include the filename. When you create a document, it does not have a hash value. The hash value is deter- mined by running a program that calculates the value based on the selected algorythm (such as, MD5 hash, SHA1 hash, SHA2 hash and a number of others).
The hash value created from a computer program reading the file is unique to incredible precision and,
as a result, is often referred to as the documents unique fingerprint. An example of how a files hash value looks follows:
51FEC3B6FCB1E7D5465575BED5DCDC1B8897AE5A. In days gone by, when computer storage was very expensive, the hash value was used on computer sys-
tems to save only one version of exact duplicated documents. For example, you create a document and send it to 20 people. As long as a person does not change even one character in the document, all 20 copies will have exactly the same the hash value. Change the data in that file by one character and you change the hash value (the fingerprint). That is why in todays world, the hash value is more popularly known as a “digital fingerprint.”
Hash values are the bedrock of e-discovery because the digital fingerprint guarantees the authenticity
of data, and protects it against alteration, either negligent or intentional. Hash allows for the easy filtration (elimination) of duplicate documents, a process called “deduplication” that is essential to all e-discovery document processing.
Author of numerous articles, Bob Sweat ia a popular speaker and presenter of CLE webinars and seminars. He is currently an Automated Litigation Specialist and Partner at Open Door Solutions, LLP, Dallas, Texas. He is best known for his down to earth explanations and approaches to complex matters. He has 20 years experience working with local and national firms on complex litigations and related matters.
Email your questions:
bsweat@opendoorsolutions.com 58
hile I’m rather partial to corned beef hash, I can tell you that computer hash is NOT something you make to feed your computer.
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