Definition

data corruption

Data corruption is the deterioration of computer data as a result of some external agent. Hazards to data integrity include not only computer-based problems such as viruses and hardware or software incompatibility, flaws, or failures, but also environmental threats such as power outages, dust, water, and extreme temperatures. To protect data from corruption, you should ensure that only authorized people have access to your data and that the physical environment is safe from environmental hazards.

Related glossary terms: external hard drive, data hiding
This was last updated in September 2005
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

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