File Integrity

File integrity is the accuracy, completeness and consistency of the data

stored in files. Care must be taken in handling files of a sensitive nature to
ensure that it does not get into the wrong hands.
To this end, it is important to practice data security to maintain the
integrity of files. Some of these measures may include:

Over-write protection this prevents data from being written

to an area where data is already stored.

Read-only access when files are shared, the owner of the file
allows other users to only read the file, they cannot make any changes
to it.

Restricted access this gives users various levels of access.

Permissions are set for the file to Allow or Deny access. This allows
the file from being deleted or access.

Virus protection a virus is a potentially harmful computer

program that negatively affects data on the computer. An anti-virus
protection is installed to scan files and remove suspected checks. This
should be updated regularly.

Encryption data being transferred from one location to

another using a communication medium need to be protected.
Encryption is built into the software that transfers data so it is encoded
at the source and decoded at the destination.

File Security
This is to ensure that files are kept safe from corruption and ways to ensure
that its safety is controlled. Files should be kept secure from threats that are
deliberate or accidental.
Deliberate threat to files
Persons may delete or copy files
Persons changing data
Destroying computer parts

Accidental threats
Hardware problems
Software glitches
Viruses
Natural disasters

Ways of securing files

Password this consists of alphanumeric characters or symbols

that form a code to restrict access to files.

Firewall this is a program that permits a companys internal

computer users to access the Internet but severely limits external
access to internal data files.

Disaster Recovery - this should be in place in the event the

integrity or security of files is breached. The recovery plan is the
policies and procedures to prevent or minimise damage or recover
from damage to files. These include:
Backup systems: this is when files are copied to removable
storage media and stored in a secured location.
Use fireproof and waterproof cabinets

File Retention this is an archive of files created and

accumulated by an institution and retained due to their value to
the
business.
These
may
include:
newspaper
issues
microfiche/microfilm), letter and invoices, e-mail, contracts, etc.

Version control this is the management of multiple versions of

the same document. The latest version of the document should be
used to assist in making decisions. For example:

10 Arts_Sept 2013.docx

10 Arts_Oct 2013.docx