Tamperproof

Tamperproof describes properties of devices, containers, seals, or systems that are designed to prevent unauthorized access or modification, or to reveal such attempts. In practice, few systems are truly tamperproof; most rely on a combination of physical security, tamper-evident features, and procedural controls. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with tamper-resistant or tamper-evident, though distinctions exist: tamperproof emphasizes prevention, tamper-evident emphasizes detection, and tamper-resistant lies between.

Physical implementations include reinforced enclosures, secure housings, anti-tamper screws, and tamper-evident seals or labels that show evidence of opening. Common examples are seals with void patterns, tamper-evident tapes, and potting compounds that leave residue or an unrecoverable mark if access is attempted. In software and hardware security, tamperproofing refers to controls that prevent or detect modification, such as code signing, secure boot, encryption, hardware attestation, and tamper-detection sensors.

Tamperproof features are widely used in packaging for pharmaceuticals, electronics, and consumer goods, as well as in banking, government, and critical infrastructure contexts. They are also applied to data storage media and secure facilities to deter theft or alteration of contents, systems, or records.

Limitations include the possibility of sophisticated tampering that leaves little visible trace, and the need to balance cost, reliability, and environmental conditions. Standards and testing programs for tamper seals and related features, such as those governing security seals, guide design and evaluation to ensure consistent performance across industries.