What can be a consequence of unauthorized access through piggybacking?

Unauthorized access through piggybacking can indeed lead to a breach of data integrity. When an unauthorized individual gains access to a secure environment by following an authorized user, they may manipulate, view, or delete sensitive information without the knowledge of legitimate users or administrators. This unauthorized manipulation can compromise the accuracy, consistency, and trustworthiness of the data, which are critical components of data integrity.

In environments where data integrity is paramount, such as financial institutions or healthcare systems, unauthorized access poses significant risks. It can result in erroneous data being processed, incorrect transactions, and even severe regulatory violations.

While other choices may present some potential consequences in different contexts, they do not directly relate to the critical aspect of data integrity threatened by unauthorized access. Increased operational costs might occur but are more indirect consequences compared to the immediate and damaging impact on data integrity itself. Improved system performance and enhanced user cooperation are unlikely outcomes from unauthorized access; in fact, such security breaches typically lead to distrust and a variety of inefficiencies. Therefore, the primary and most direct consequence of unauthorized access through piggybacking is the breach of data integrity.