Workbook on Digital Private Papers > Glossary
Glossary - F
Fixity check
A fixity check is a means of checking whether the bits which make up a digital object have been altered in any way, by generating a checksum or digital signature. Fixity checks are carried out during the accessioning process to ensure that no changes have occurred to digital accessions during transit. After a digital object is ingested into the repository, a regular programme of fixity checks at file level is carried out. This provides evidence that no undocumented alterations have been made to a digital object, and helps archivists to ensure the authenticity of the objects in their care.
