easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
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
✓
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.
- ✗
Authentication
Why it's wrong here
Authentication verifies identity, but does not inherently prevent data modification.
- ✗
Confidentiality
Why it's wrong here
Confidentiality prevents unauthorized disclosure, not modification.
- ✗
Availability
Why it's wrong here
Availability ensures data is accessible when needed, not protection from modification.
- ✓
Integrity
Why this is correct
Integrity ensures data is not altered by unauthorized means.
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JA
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.