Data integrity in a PKI context ensures what?

Data integrity in the context of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) specifically refers to the assurance that data has remained unchanged and unaffected during transmission. This concept is crucial for maintaining trust in communication systems, particularly when sensitive information is exchanged. PKI mechanisms, such as digital signatures and hash functions, are employed to verify that the data received is identical to the data sent, thereby confirming that it has not been altered—intentionally or accidentally—during its journey from sender to recipient.

The importance of this principle cannot be overstated, as any alteration of data could potentially lead to miscommunication, exploitation, or compromise of the information's intended use. Ensuring data integrity helps to build and maintain confidence in electronic transactions and communications, particularly in military and defense contexts where PKI is heavily utilized.