What does the term 'checksums' refer to in software installation controls?

The term 'checksums' refers specifically to a value generated from the data of software, which serves as a reference point to verify that the software code has not changed since it was approved. When a checksum is calculated for a piece of software, it creates a unique string of characters based on the contents of that software. After installation, the system can recalculate the checksum for the installed software and compare it to the original value. If the values match, it indicates that the software has not been altered, ensuring its integrity and authenticity. This process is essential in preventing the introduction of malicious code or unauthorized changes, thereby maintaining the security and reliability of the software environment.

In contrast, other options pertain to different aspects of software management or security that do not specifically involve checksums. For instance, blocking unapproved software is related to access controls rather than integrity verification. Calculating the total size of installed software does not align with the concept of checksums, as it focuses on the quantity rather than the quality or integrity of the software. Monitoring network performance is also unrelated to checksums, as it deals with application performance metrics instead of software verification. Therefore, verifying that software code has not changed since approval accurately encapsulates the purpose of checksums in