easyMultiple Choice
FC0-U71 Practice Question: Which principle ensures that data is not modified…
Which principle ensures that data is not modified by unauthorized users?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between confidentiality and integrity, where candidates mistakenly choose confidentiality because they associate 'protection' with encryption, but encryption only prevents reading, not modification.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
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Integrity
Integrity ensures that data has not been altered or tampered with by unauthorized users. This is typically enforced through mechanisms like hashing (e.g., SHA-256) or digital signatures, which detect any modification to the original data. Without integrity controls, an attacker could change financial records or system files without detection.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Authentication
Why it's wrong here
Authentication verifies a claimed identity before access is granted; it does not itself prevent an already-authenticated user from altering data. It is tempting because authentication is a foundational security control, and it would be correct if the question asked how a system confirms that a user is who they claim to be.
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Confidentiality
Why it's wrong here
Confidentiality prevents unauthorised disclosure or reading of data, so it addresses secrecy rather than modification. It is tempting because confidentiality is a core CIA triad principle, and it would be the correct answer if the question asked which principle ensures data is not accessed or viewed by unauthorised users.
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Availability
Why it's wrong here
Availability guards timely, reliable access to data, so it addresses denial-of-service and uptime, not unauthorised alteration. It is tempting because availability is a core pillar of the CIA triad, and it would be the correct answer if the question asked which principle ensures data remains accessible to authorised users when needed.
- ✓
Integrity
Why this is correct
Integrity guarantees data remains unaltered unless changed by authorised parties, directly satisfying the stem's requirement that unauthorised users cannot modify it. Confidentiality would instead prevent disclosure, and availability would ensure access, so integrity is the precise principle addressing unauthorised modification.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This FC0-U71 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U71 exam.