Integrity Auditing

Definition ∞ Integrity auditing is the systematic verification of data or system states to confirm their accuracy, completeness, and resistance to unauthorized changes. This process involves scrutinizing records, logs, and operational procedures to detect any discrepancies, errors, or malicious manipulations that could compromise data trustworthiness. Its objective is to assure that information remains unaltered and reliable over time, aligning with predefined standards or expectations. Such audits are fundamental for maintaining confidence in digital systems and their outputs.
Context ∞ In the blockchain and digital asset space, integrity auditing holds paramount importance for validating the immutability of ledger data and the security of smart contracts. Proof-of-storage protocols, for example, rely on cryptographic integrity checks to verify that data remains stored correctly and has not been tampered with on decentralized networks. Regulatory bodies and investors also demand robust integrity auditing for crypto exchanges and custodians to ensure financial reporting accuracy and operational transparency, mitigating risks associated with data corruption or fraud.