What does "Tampering" refer to?

Tampering refers specifically to unauthorized changes made to a program, configuration, or data. In the context of cybersecurity, this type of activity implies that an individual or entity has altered the original state of information or operational parameters without the proper authorization. Such modifications can compromise the integrity of the system, potentially leading to malfunction, exploitation, or the introduction of vulnerabilities that can be further leveraged by malicious actors.

Understanding tampering is crucial in cybersecurity assessments, particularly when analyzing the risks associated with Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). It is essential to implement safeguards and countermeasures to detect and prevent unauthorized changes, ensuring both the security and reliability of operational technology (OT) environments.

The other choices, while relating to cybersecurity concerns, address different threats: unauthorized retrieval of data involves breaches of privacy and confidentiality, disruption of service relates to denial-of-service attacks, and monitoring of data transmissions without consent pertains to eavesdropping or interception. Each of these activities presents its own set of risks, but they are distinct from the concept of tampering, which is centered on unauthorized modifications.