A file header is the introductory section of a digital file that contains essential metadata and structural information. This section typically includes details such as the file type, version, size, encoding, and sometimes security attributes. File headers are crucial for software and operating systems to correctly interpret, open, and process the file. In cybersecurity, analyzing file headers helps in identifying file types, detecting malicious modifications, and preventing certain types of attacks, such as spoofing or malware delivery. Understanding file headers is fundamental for digital forensics, malware analysis, and secure file handling practices.