What does data tampering involve?

Data tampering is specifically defined as the act of modifying information within systems without proper authorization. This can occur through various methods that allow an individual or a malicious actor to alter data rather than just accessing or downloading it. The core issue with data tampering is that it undermines the integrity and reliability of the data, leading to potential misinformation, manipulation of records, or the generation of false information.

In contrast, downloading sensitive data pertains to the unauthorized acquisition of information, which, while potentially harmful, does not involve altering the data itself. Unauthorized access to networks refers to illegally gaining entry into a network, which can lead to both data theft and tampering, but it does not inherently involve the modification of data. Similarly, using removable media for data transfer relates to how data is moved rather than how it is altered or manipulated. Thus, the key aspect of data tampering is the unauthorized modification of existing data, making it a critical concern in counterintelligence and data security practices.