What does 'data integrity' refer to?

Data integrity refers to the accuracy and consistency of data throughout its lifecycle. This concept is crucial in information security and data management because it ensures that data remains unaltered and reliable over time, regardless of how it is collected, stored, processed, or transmitted. High data integrity means that users can trust the data they are working with, which is essential for making informed decisions and maintaining operational efficiency.

Ensuring data integrity involves implementing measures such as error checking and validation techniques, access controls to prevent unauthorized modification, and regular audits to monitor any anomalies. Maintaining integrity is particularly important in industries that rely heavily on data for compliance and decision-making processes.