What does message integrity ensure during data exchange?

Message integrity is a critical aspect of data exchange that focuses on maintaining the original content of the message without any alterations during transmission. When message integrity is ensured, it means that the data sent from one party to another remains exactly as it was originally created. This protects against unauthorized changes, whether intentional or accidental, which could lead to misinformation or data corruption.

By using mechanisms such as cryptographic hash functions or digital signatures, parties can verify that the message received is the same as the message sent. This verification allows the recipient to trust the authenticity and reliability of the information contained within the message, making it a vital component of secure communications. It is important to note that while message integrity deals specifically with the accuracy of the content, it does not address confidentiality, access control, or transmission speed, which are covered by different principles in cybersecurity.