What ensures that only authorized users can modify data according to cybersecurity principles?

The principle of integrity is crucial in ensuring that only authorized users can modify data. Integrity refers to the accuracy and consistency of data over its lifecycle. It is about making sure that data has not been altered in an unauthorized way and that any modifications to it are legitimate and tracked.

In a cybersecurity context, when integrity is maintained, it implies that data is protected from unauthorized modification. This is achieved through mechanisms such as access controls, checksums, and versioning systems, which help ensure that only users with the appropriate permissions can make changes to the data. If a user without authorization attempts to modify the data, the integrity mechanisms will either prevent that action or raise an alert regarding the unauthorized attempt.

Other options relate to different aspects of cybersecurity. Authentication is the process of verifying a user’s identity, which is essential but does not alone guarantee that modifications are authorized. Confidentiality focuses on protecting data from unauthorized access rather than modifications. Nonrepudiation involves ensuring that an action or change can be proven to have occurred, which is also important but does not directly relate to who can modify the data.

Thus, integrity stands out as the principle that specifically addresses the need to protect data from unauthorized modifications and ensure that modifications are made by legitimate users only.