What is the goal of using a cryptographic hash function in data integrity?

The goal of using a cryptographic hash function in ensuring data integrity is primarily to detect any alterations made to the data. A cryptographic hash function takes an input (or message) and produces a fixed-size string of characters, which is typically a hash value or digest. If any single bit of the input data changes, the hash value will change dramatically, making it easy to detect modifications.

This property makes hash functions essential for data integrity because they allow users to verify that the data has not been altered in transit or during storage. When the original data is hashed, and that hash value is stored, any subsequent attempt to alter the data will result in a different hash value when the hashing process is applied again. By comparing the newly generated hash with the original, users can confirm the integrity of the data.

The other options do not align with the primary purpose of a cryptographic hash function. While increasing data transfer speeds can be beneficial, it is not the function of a hash. Similarly, data compression pertains to reducing file sizes, and encryption focuses on protecting data from unauthorized access rather than ensuring that data remains unchanged. Thus, the focus of a cryptographic hash function directly supports the objective of maintaining data integrity.