Integrity¶

Integrity is crucial in information security, ensuring that data remains accurate and unchanged unless modified intentionally by an authorized individual. It verifies the accuracy and trustworthiness of data throughout its lifecycle.

Importance¶

Data Accuracy
- Prevents unauthorized alterations to data, which is critical for decision-making based on correct information.
- Ensures that data such as financial records or medical information remains precise.
Trust
- Builds confidence in data and systems by preventing tampering.
- Loss of integrity, such as unauthorized alterations in bank balances, erodes user trust.
System Operability
- Maintains stable operations; corrupted data can cause malfunctions or downtime.
- Prevents unexpected system behaviors that could disrupt business operations.

Methods for Maintaining Integrity¶

Hashing
- Converts data into a fixed-size value (hash).
- Even small changes in the original data result in a significantly different hash, signaling tampering.
- The result, called a Hash Digest, acts as a digital fingerprint to verify data integrity.
Digital Signatures
- Combines encryption and hashing to ensure integrity and authenticity.
- A file is hashed, and the hash is encrypted with a user’s private key, creating a digital signature.
- Any alteration in the data invalidates the digital signature, indicating a breach of integrity.
Checksums
- Verifies data integrity during transmission.
- The sender’s checksum is compared to the receiver’s checksum; a match indicates data integrity.
- Discrepancies between checksums reveal alterations or corruption.
Access Controls
- Limits data modification capabilities to authorized individuals.
- Reduces risks of both unintentional mistakes and malicious tampering.
- Restricts internal users based on roles, ensuring only authorized users can alter data.
Regular Audits
- Systematically reviews logs and operations to detect unauthorized changes.
- Ensures all changes are documented and authorized, preventing unnoticed alterations.