Quick Answer
The answer is SHA-1 and MD5, the two hashing algorithms most commonly used to verify the integrity of forensic images. These algorithms produce fixed-size hash values—160-bit for SHA-1 and 128-bit for MD5—that serve as unique digital fingerprints; if the hash of the original image matches the hash of a copy, the data is considered unaltered. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this concept tests your understanding of evidence integrity verification, often appearing in questions about tools like FTK Imager or EnCase. A common trap is assuming SHA-256 or newer algorithms are preferred in practice, but forensic workflows still rely on SHA-1 and MD5 due to their speed and widespread tool support, despite known collision weaknesses. Memory tip: think "5 and 5"—SHA-1 (160 bits) and MD5 (128 bits) are the forensic standard pair, like a digital handshake for evidence.
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of computer forensics fundamentals and process. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO of the following hashing algorithms are commonly used to verify the integrity of forensic images? (Choose two.)
SHA-3
Why wrong: SHA-3 is not yet standard in forensic tools.
SHA-1
SHA-1 is widely used in forensic imaging tools.
RSA
Why wrong: RSA is an encryption algorithm, not a hash.
AES
Why wrong: AES is a symmetric encryption algorithm.
MD5
MD5 is still commonly used despite collisions, but remains in many tools.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
SHA-1
SHA-1 and MD5 are the two hashing algorithms most commonly used in forensic practice to verify the integrity of forensic images. They produce a fixed-size hash value (160-bit for SHA-1, 128-bit for MD5) that acts as a digital fingerprint; if the hash of the original image matches the hash of a copy, the data is considered unchanged. Despite known collision weaknesses, they remain the de facto standards in tools like FTK Imager, EnCase, and dd due to their speed and widespread tool support.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
SHA-3
Why it's wrong here
SHA-3 is not yet standard in forensic tools.
SHA-1
Why this is correct
SHA-1 is widely used in forensic imaging tools.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
RSA
Why it's wrong here
RSA is an encryption algorithm, not a hash.
AES
Why it's wrong here
AES is a symmetric encryption algorithm.
MD5
Why this is correct
MD5 is still commonly used despite collisions, but remains in many tools.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the distinction between hashing algorithms (integrity) and encryption algorithms (confidentiality), so the trap here is that candidates confuse RSA and AES as hashing algorithms because they are cryptographic primitives, but they serve entirely different purposes.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, both SHA-1 and MD5 use Merkle–Damgård construction to process input in 512-bit blocks, producing a message digest that is extremely sensitive to any bit change (avalanche effect). In real-world forensic imaging, a common workflow is to compute both MD5 and SHA-1 hashes of the source drive using a tool like `dd` with `md5sum` and `sha1sum`, then store these hashes in a chain-of-custody log; even though MD5 is collision-broken, it is still used as a quick check alongside SHA-1 for redundancy.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CHFI exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process — This question tests Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: SHA-1 — SHA-1 and MD5 are the two hashing algorithms most commonly used in forensic practice to verify the integrity of forensic images. They produce a fixed-size hash value (160-bit for SHA-1, 128-bit for MD5) that acts as a digital fingerprint; if the hash of the original image matches the hash of a copy, the data is considered unchanged. Despite known collision weaknesses, they remain the de facto standards in tools like FTK Imager, EnCase, and dd due to their speed and widespread tool support.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO of the following are common hashing algorithms used to verify the integrity of forensic images? (Select two.)
easyWhy B: MD5 and SHA-1 are widely used hash functions for integrity verification in digital forensics. SHA-256 is also used but less common in legacy contexts.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This CHFI practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CHFI exam.
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