Block Data Integrity

Definition ∞ Block data integrity refers to the assurance that information recorded within a blockchain block remains accurate, unaltered, and complete. This property is maintained through cryptographic hashing, where each block contains a hash of the previous block, creating an immutable chain. Any modification to transaction data within a block would invalidate its hash and subsequent blocks, making tampering detectable. This fundamental security feature underpins the trustworthiness and reliability of blockchain networks.
Context ∞ Block data integrity is a foundational security premise of all blockchain systems, constantly verified by network participants. While generally robust, discussions around its maintenance often pertain to potential vulnerabilities in consensus mechanisms or the theoretical risk of 51% attacks on smaller chains. Continued advancements in cryptographic techniques and decentralized governance models aim to further strengthen this core attribute against evolving threats.