If site provides MD5 to check file, can’t the comparison string also not be modified?

I am new to this so please bear with me. I was downloading a VM image and I was told to check the MD5. Naturally, I did but wondered,

If a hacker would change the file to be downloaded from the site,
wouldn’t the hacker also be able… Continue reading If site provides MD5 to check file, can’t the comparison string also not be modified?