Integrity verification refers to the process of ensuring that data within a blockchain or cryptocurrency network remains accurate, consistent, and unaltered. This is crucial because trust in these systems relies on the belief that recorded transactions and smart contracts have not been tampered with.This process is achieved through various mechanisms, including cryptographic hashing, consensus algorithms, and validation methods. When a transaction is initiated, it gets hashed into a unique code, which is then recorded on the blockchain. Any attempt to alter this transaction would change its hash, signaling a breach of integrity.Moreover, integrity verification involves nodes in the network that validate transactions based on pre-defined rules. These nodes work together to reach consensus on the state of the blockchain, making it difficult for any single entity to manipulate the data without detection.Ultimately, integrity verification helps maintain trust among users, ensuring the reliability and security of transactions and data within the network.