Data corruption is the deterioration of computer data as a result of some external agent.

Hazards to data integrity include not only computer-based problems such as viruses and hardware or software incompatibility, flaws, or failures, but also environmental threats such as IEMI, power outages, dust, water, and extreme temperatures, and prolonged time.

This issue causes regulatory compliance issues, as it interferes with data retention policies.

IEMI as a Cyber Threat:
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) 7 layer Protocol Model for layered communications and computer network protocol design.

Despite Cyber security measures, the IEMI threat represents a “Zero Layer” attack upon Layer One (Physical) which affects the entire OSI stack, all the way to Layer Seven (Application). IEMI can either disrupt the data state, or cause outright device destruction. Furthermore, the very ability of IEMI to change “data states” constitutes a cyber attack, even though it is not a “network borne” exploit.

Links: Regulatory Requirements