In the context of data integrity, which of the following methods ensures that the original data is maintained?

Hashing is a technique specifically designed to verify data integrity while ensuring that the original data remains unchanged. When data is hashed, it is processed through a hash function, which produces a fixed-size string of characters, typically a hash value. This hash value acts as a unique fingerprint of the original data. If the original data is altered in any way, even a single bit, the resulting hash will differ significantly, indicating that the data integrity has been compromised.

This method is widely used in various security applications, such as verifying file downloads, ensuring the integrity of data in storage, and supporting authentication processes. The strength of hashing comes from its ability to quickly compare the current hash of the data against a previously calculated hash value, providing an efficient way to detect any alterations.

In contrast, the other methods mentioned do not focus on maintaining the integrity of data in the same way. Data compression alters the format and size of data to save space, which may not guarantee the original state of data. Data transformation involves changing data into a different format or structure, while file splitting divides files into parts without inherently ensuring the integrity of the data contained within. These techniques do not inherently provide a mechanism to check for modifications, making them less suitable for the purpose of ensuring data