System File Checker

The system file checker utility verifies that critical system files have not been altered by computing cryptographic hashes and comparing them to known baselines. It operates in single-file or directory-wide modes, supporting recursive scans and manifest-based verification. Hash algorithms include MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and optionally SHA-3 where available. The tool streams file data to a hasher to minimize memory usage and then performs exact comparisons to detect any changes. Benefits accrue to IT administrators, security engineers, and incident responders who need reliable provenance of file integrity across large inventories. Unique value comes from its combination of scalable hashing, explicit mismatch reporting, and compatibility with enterprise baselines and audits. Core features include per-file results (path, size, timestamp, computed hash, status) and a concise summary suitable for automation. Typical use cases include post-deployment validation, baseline verification after OS updates, and forensic investigations. The tool emphasizes non-destructive operation, ensuring files are not modified during verification, and provides export options for integration with security pipelines. Use with large fleets by enabling parallel hashing and manifest-based checks to maintain scalable performance while preserving accurate lineage of integrity data.