What is "tampering" in a cybersecurity context?

In a cybersecurity context, tampering refers to unauthorized changes made to programs, configurations, or data. This can involve altering software code, adjusting configurations that impact security settings, or modifying data in a way that undermines integrity and accuracy. Tampering is a significant concern because it can lead to data breaches, system malfunctions, or exploitation of vulnerabilities, ultimately compromising the security posture of an organization.

The essence of tampering lies in the unauthorized alteration itself, which can have far-reaching consequences. It jeopardizes the trustworthiness of the data being processed and can disrupt operational functions, making understanding and preventing tampering critical for maintaining secure systems.