Master data analysis security techniques including hex viewers, entropy analysis, binary forensics, and data integrity verification
Hexadecimal analysis is fundamental to understanding binary data, file structures, and identifying potential security issues or hidden content.
| File Type | Magic Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| JPEG | FF D8 FF | Image file format |
| PNG | 89 50 4E 47 | Portable Network Graphics |
| 25 50 44 46 | Portable Document Format | |
| ZIP | 50 4B 03 04 | Compressed archive |
| EXE | 4D 5A | Windows executable |
Identify repeating patterns, sequences, and anomalies in binary data.
Extract readable strings and text from binary files for analysis.
Examine specific byte offsets for headers, metadata, and structures.
Understand byte order (little-endian vs big-endian) in data interpretation.
Entropy analysis measures the randomness and unpredictability of data, which is crucial for identifying encrypted content, compressed data, or potential steganography.
Shannon entropy measures the average information content of a message. Higher entropy indicates more random data.
Formula: H(X) = -Σ P(xi) × log₂(P(xi))
Highly structured data (text, regular patterns)
Compressed data, some randomness
Encrypted data, random content
Encrypted or packed malware often shows high entropy patterns.
Hidden data in images or files may alter entropy patterns.
Classify data types based on entropy characteristics.
Identify compressed or encrypted sections in files.
File forensics involves examining file metadata, timestamps, and structure to understand file history, authenticity, and potential tampering.
Creation, modification, and access times can reveal file history and potential tampering.
Verify file integrity and detect unauthorized modifications.
Examine additional file metadata and security attributes.
Analyze access rights and ownership information.
Examine file headers for format validation and structure verification.
Check file footers and end markers for completeness.
Map different sections and segments within files.
Identify additional data appended to files.
Data integrity verification ensures that data has not been corrupted, tampered with, or modified during storage or transmission.
128-bit hash, fast but cryptographically broken
256-bit hash, secure and widely used
Latest SHA standard, future-proof
Compare calculated checksums with known values to detect corruption.
Use cryptographic signatures to verify authenticity and integrity.
Implement error detection and correction codes for data protection.
Malware analysis involves examining suspicious files to understand their behavior, identify threats, and develop countermeasures.
Use our specialized data analysis tools to examine files, analyze entropy, and perform security forensics:
View and analyze binary files in hexadecimal format with advanced search and pattern recognition.
Try Hex Viewer →Analyze data randomness and entropy to identify encrypted content and potential security issues.
Try Entropy Calculator →Use our comprehensive data analysis tools to examine files and detect security issues
Explore All Security Tools