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Network Security Principles - Integrity

By IncludeHelp Last updated : July 27, 2024

What is Integrity in Network Security?

Integrity in network security refers to assuring users that data has not been altered or changed with during transmission, storage, or processing. It ensures that data remains accurate, complete, and consistent over time.

Maintaining data integrity is crucial to prevent unauthorized changes or corruption that could undermine its reliability and usefulness.

Examples of Integrity Breaches

1. Data Tampering

A hacker intercepts sensitive information being transmitted between two parties and alters it before sending it to the recipient.

Example: Modifying the amount in a financial transaction to redirect funds to the attacker's account.

2. Malware Attacks

Malicious software can infect a system and modify or delete critical files or data.

Example: Ransomware encrypts files on a computer and demands payment for decryption.

3. Unauthorized Access

A malicious insider gains access to a database and modifies records without permission.

Example: An employee changing sales figures to inflate their commission.

Why is Integrity Important?

Integrity is important as it ensures that data remains trustworthy and accurate, free from unauthorized alterations or tampering. For example, think about a situation where someone sneaks in and changes the amount in a money transfer, sending funds to themselves instead of where they're supposed to go. That kind of tampering can cause big problems, like financial losses and trust issues.

Whether it's your info, financial records, or important business data, keeping integrity means decisions made using that info are safe and dependable. It's a key part of cybersecurity, protecting against scams, false info, and disruptions to important services. That's why making sure data keeps its integrity is so crucial for trust and reliability in digital systems and transactions.

Therefore, ensuring data integrity is essential for maintaining trust and reliability in digital systems and transactions.

Best Practices to Ensure Integrity in Network Security

The following are the best practices to ensure network security in network security:

• Use strong encryption to protect data.
• Implement strict access controls.
• Regularly verify data integrity using checksums or hashes.
• Keep detailed logs of data access and modifications.
• Use digital signatures to verify data authenticity.
• Educate users about data integrity importance and best practices.