What does system integrity ensure?

• A. Protection from environmental factors
• B. Continuous system operation
• C. That a system functions as intended without unauthorized manipulation
• D. Awareness of user actions

Answer: (C)

System integrity is a critical aspect of information security that ensures a system functions as intended without unauthorized manipulation. This means that the data and processes within the system remain legitimate, accurate, and trustworthy. When integrity is maintained, users can have confidence that the information they are accessing or processing has not been altered or compromised by malicious actors or unintentional errors.

Achieving system integrity involves various protective measures such as access controls, authentication protocols, and regular audits of system operations and data. These measures help prevent unauthorized access and modifications, thereby ensuring that the actions performed by the system are as designed and expected.

Other options, while related to the overall security and functionality of systems, do not directly define what system integrity specifically ensures. For instance, protection from environmental factors pertains more to physical security than integrity, continuous system operation relates to availability, and awareness of user actions refers to monitoring and compliance rather than integrity itself.