Which element of information security addresses the unauthorized alteration of data?

The element of information security that addresses the unauthorized alteration of data is integrity. Integrity ensures that data remains accurate, consistent, and trustworthy over its entire lifecycle. This means safeguarding against unauthorized changes that could distort information, whether intentional or accidental.

Identifying alterations to data can include techniques like checksums, hashing, and secure auditing practices which help verify that the data has not been modified by unauthorized users. In essence, integrity focuses on maintaining the correctness and trustworthiness of data, making it foundational in security practices where precision and reliability are paramount.

In contrast, confidentiality pertains to protecting information from unauthorized access—ensuring that only authorized individuals can view sensitive data. Availability refers to ensuring that data and services are available to authorized users when required, which does not directly deal with whether the data has been altered. Lastly, authentication involves confirming the identity of users to ensure that access is granted only to those who are legitimate, which is also separate from the aspect of ensuring that the data itself remains unchanged.