What does data tampering involve?

Data tampering refers to the deliberate alteration, modification, or manipulation of data within a system without proper authorization. This act can involve changing, deleting, or corrupting information to mislead, deceive, or obstruct the integrity of data. The essence of data tampering lies in its unauthorized nature; it is often done clandestinely with the intent to compromise the reliability and accuracy of the information within a system.

In the context of the other choices, downloading sensitive data refers to accessing and saving that information, which does not inherently involve altering it. Unauthorized access to networks entails breaching security measures to gain entry, but it does not specify the subsequent actions taken with the data. Using removable media for data transfer highlights a method of data movement but does not address any manipulation of the data itself. Thus, the focus on modifying information without authorization encapsulates the core definition of data tampering.