An online file-sharing service uses cryptographic hash functions to verify file integrity. Which mechanism explains why detecting even a minor alteration to a stored file becomes highly probable?

💡 Explanation

The avalanche effect explains why even a one-bit change in a file leads to a drastically different hash value, because cryptographic hash functions are designed to propagate changes widely. Therefore, the correct answer is the avalanche effect, rather than salting, encryption, or homomorphic methods which serve different purposes.

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