What method is used to verify the integrity of data?

The method that is used to verify the integrity of data is checksums. A checksum is a calculated value that is derived from a set of data and is used to detect errors or changes in that data. By applying a checksum algorithm to a block of data, a unique numeric value is generated. When the data is transmitted or stored, this checksum can be recalculated and compared to the original checksum. If the two values match, it indicates that the data has remained intact and unaltered. This capability is crucial for ensuring data integrity, particularly in environments where data accuracy is essential.

Tokenization, while related to data security, focuses on replacing sensitive data with unique identification symbols, thus removing the sensitive information but not directly verifying its integrity. Encryption is primarily a method used for protecting data confidentiality by converting it into an unreadable format for unauthorized users, but it does not inherently verify if the data has been altered. Firewalls serve as a barrier to manage network traffic and protect against unauthorized access rather than providing any method for checking data integrity.