Data authentication is the process of confirming the origin and integrity of data. The term is typically related to communication, messaging and integration. Data authentication has two elements: authenticating that you're getting data from the correct entity and validating the integrity of that data.
Example
An integration transaction sends a partner an authentication code encrypted with the public key in the partner's digital certificate. When the partner sends back the correct code, the partner is considered authenticated.
Any data sent over a properly authenticated and secured channel is considered authenticated. It is also a good practice to confirm data integrity at the same time. This is typically done by matching checksums. If data is somehow corrupted in transit, it can't be considered authenticated.
