What is the term used for an algorithm or hash that uniquely identifies specific malicious code?

The term that uniquely identifies specific malicious code is referred to as a signature. Signatures are essentially strings of data that are derived from the characteristics of malicious files and are used in various security solutions, such as antivirus software and intrusion detection systems. By utilizing a collection of known signatures, these security tools can effectively identify, detect, and respond to malware, as each piece of malicious code often has unique attributes that differentiate it from benign software.

In cybersecurity, signatures are critical for identifying malware in a timely manner. They can include binary sequences or patterns that are specific to certain types of malware, allowing security systems to compare files against these patterns and identify threats rapidly.

The other choices refer to different concepts in cybersecurity. Heuristics involve using algorithms to detect unknown viruses by examining the behavior of programs. Steganography is the practice of concealing information within other non-secret text or images, while integrity checkers are tools or processes that verify the accuracy and consistency of data over time. Each of these serves a different purpose in the realm of cybersecurity, but it is the signature that specifically pertains to the unique identification of malicious code.