Posting hashes allows users to verify the integrity of downloaded files. As outlined in Security+ SY0-701, a cryptographic hash (e.g., SHA-256) produces a fixed-length digest unique to the file's contents. Users can compute the hash of the downloaded file and compare it to the published value; a match confirms the file has not been altered.
Certificates (B) establish identity and trust but do not directly verify file integrity post-download unless combined with signing workflows. Algorithms (C) are general methods, not verification artifacts. Salting (D) is used with password hashing and is irrelevant here.
Therefore, A: Hashes is the correct choice.

The best answer is C. EDR logs.
EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) tools are designed to monitor endpoint activity in detail, including process execution, command-line usage, script activity, file changes, persistence attempts, and suspicious behavior. Since the incident involves a PowerShell script, EDR logs are the most useful source for identifying whether the script attempted to compromise the system.
PowerShell is commonly abused by attackers for fileless malware, persistence, lateral movement, downloading payloads, and privilege escalation. EDR can capture this kind of endpoint-level behavior much more effectively than general network logs.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A). SNMP logsSNMP is mainly used for network device monitoring and management, not detailed endpoint script execution analysis.
B). Firewall logsFirewall logs can show allowed or blocked traffic, but they usually do not provide deep visibility into local PowerShell execution or endpoint compromise attempts.
D). IPS logsAn IPS may detect known malicious traffic patterns, but it is focused on network-based activity. It is not the best source for detailed analysis of a PowerShell script running on a host.
From a Security+ standpoint, when analyzing suspicious scripts or endpoint behavior, EDR provides the strongest visibility into actual compromise attempts.

Metadata is data that describes other data, such as its format, origin, creation date, author, and other attributes.
Video files, like other types of files, can contain metadata that can provide useful information for forensic analysis. For example, metadata can reveal the camera model, location, date and time, and software used to create or edit the video file. To query the file's metadata, a security analyst can use various tools, such as MediaInfo1, ffprobe2, or hexdump3, to extract and display the metadata from the video file. By querying the file's metadata, the security analyst can most likely identify both the creation date and the file's creator, as well as other relevant information.Obtaining the file's SHA-256 hash, checking endpoint logs, or using hexdump on the file's contents are other possible actions, but they are not the most appropriate to answer the question. The file's SHA-256 hash is a cryptographic value that can be used to verify the integrity or uniqueness of the file, but it does not reveal any information about the file's creation date or creator. Checking endpoint logs can provide some clues about the file's origin or activity, but it may not be reliable or accurate, especially if the logs are tampered with or incomplete. Using hexdump on the file's contents can show the raw binary data of the file, but it may not be easy or feasible to interpret the metadata from the hex output, especially if the file is large or encrypted. References: 1: How do I get the meta-data of a video file? 2: How to check if an mp4 file contains malware? 3: [Hexdump - Wikipedia]

A Host-based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) acts as a preventive control by actively blocking threats and a detective control by monitoring and alerting to suspicious activities on endpoints.
Reference:
CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Official Study Guide, Domain 3.3: "HIPS combines preventive and detective capabilities to secure endpoints." Exam Objectives 3.3: "Summarize various security control types and methods."

A risk register is a document that records and tracks the risks associated with a project, system, or organization. A risk register typically includes information such as the risk description, the risk owner, the risk probability, the risk impact, the risk level, the risk response strategy, and the risk status. A risk register can help identify, assess, prioritize, monitor, and control risks, as well as communicate them to relevant stakeholders. A risk register can also help document the risk tolerance and thresholds of an organization, which are the acceptable levels of risk exposure and the criteria for escalating or mitigating risks. References = CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam Objectives, Domain 5.1: Explain the importance of policies, plans, and procedures related to organizational security. CompTIA Security+ Study Guide (SY0-
701), Chapter 5: Governance, Risk, and Compliance, page 211. CompTIA Security+ Certification Guide, Chapter 2: Risk Management, page 33. CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam SY0-701 Practice Test 1, Question 4.