Data Integrity Threat

Definition ∞ A data integrity threat involves any action or event that compromises the accuracy, consistency, or trustworthiness of information within a system. In the context of digital assets and blockchain technology, this threat could manifest as malicious alteration of transaction records, unauthorized modification of smart contract code, or corruption of off-chain data feeds used by decentralized applications. Such compromises can lead to financial losses, loss of user confidence, or systemic instability. Maintaining data integrity is paramount for the reliability of decentralized systems.
Context ∞ News articles frequently report on data integrity threats when discussing security vulnerabilities in blockchain protocols, oracle exploits, or attacks on centralized exchanges. The ongoing development of cryptographic proofs and robust consensus mechanisms seeks to mitigate these risks. Regulatory bodies also increasingly focus on data integrity standards for digital asset platforms to protect consumers and market stability.