====== Checksum ======
[[dido:public:ra:xapend:xapend.a_glossary:start| Return to Glossary ]]

A **Checksum** is a value that represents the number of bits in a transmission message and is used by IT professionals to detect high-level errors within data transmissions. Prior to transmission, every piece of data or file can be assigned a **Checksum** value after running a cryptographic hash function. The term **Checksum** is also sometimes seen as hash sum or hash value.

**Checksums** work by giving the party on the receiving end information about the transmission to make sure that the full range of data is fully delivered. The **Checksum** value itself is typically a long string of letters and numbers that act as a sort of fingerprint for a file or set of files to indicate the number of bits included in the transmission.

If the **Checksum** value calculated by the end user is even slightly different from the original **Checksum** value of the file, it can alert all parties in the transmission that the file was corrupted or tampered with by a third party. From there, the receiver can investigate what went wrong or try re-downloading the file.

The common protocols used to determine **Checksum** numbers are the [[dido:public:ra:xapend:xapend.a_glossary:t:tcp]] and the [[dido:public:ra:xapend:xapend.a_glossary:u:udp]]. TCP is typically more reliable for tracking transmitted packets of data, but UDP may be beneficial to avoid slowing down transmission time.


Source: [[https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/checksum ]]


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