Workbook on Digital Private Papers > Glossary
Glossary - A
Authenticity
An authentic record is one which is demonstrably what it claims to be. The ease with which digital objects can be manipulated underlines the importance of ensuring objects are authentic. Aside from malicious sabotage, digital objects can become corrupted over time through software and hardware failures and for other technical reasons. Digital archivists ensure authenticity of the records in their care by using checksums and providing digital audit trails which record every time a record is viewed or undergoes a preservation or administrative process.
