Content integrity refers to the accuracy and consistency (validity) of content over its lifecycle in Swarm storage. Integrity can be lost at various levels:

• Human error or tampering

• Transfer errors, including unintended alterations or data compromise going to or from storage

• Cyber threats (bugs, viruses/malware, hacking)

• Compromised hardware, such as a device or disk crash

• Physical compromise to devices

Best practices for content integrity include multiple approaches:

• Input validation, to preclude the entering of invalid data

• Error detection/data validation, to identify errors in data transmission

• Security measures, such as access control and data encryption