Integrity

= Integrity =


 * Integrity -** refers to safe guarding the accuracy and completeness of stored data. Data lacks integrity when it has been changed accidentally or tampered with. Examples of data losing integrity are where information is duplicated in a relational database and only one copy is updated or where data entries have been maliciously altered.

Basically it is the validity and authenticity of data, if for some reason it becomes invalid and unauthentic it lacks integrity. Here are a few examples of how data can lose their integrity:
 * If it is entered incorrectly
 * When Data is transmitted from one computer to another
 * Viruses
 * Bugs of applications and softwares
 * Computer Malfunctions
 * If the memory gets physically damaged (ie. if it falls, breaks, fills up with water)

So how can we minimize these threats?...
 * We could use any sort of verification tool (such as word check, format check and so on...)
 * C ontrolling access to data by security mechanisms
 * Backing up the files
 * Installing and regularly updating an anti-virus

[|Data integrity can be a huge problem.]