What does 'data integrity' refer to?

Data integrity refers to the accuracy and consistency of data throughout its lifecycle. This concept is crucial in ensuring that data remains reliable and valid, whether it is being created, stored, retrieved, or modified. Maintaining data integrity means that the data is not altered or corrupted unintentionally, and that it accurately reflects the intended information throughout its use. This is important in all data handling processes, as erroneous data can lead to wrong conclusions and decisions.

In a broader context, other aspects of data management—such as physical security, speed of processing, and the volume of stored data—do not inherently address how reliable or consistent the data is. For instance, physical security relates to protecting data from unauthorized access, while processing speed focuses on the efficiency of data handling. The volume of data stored refers to the capacity of data storage solutions but does not indicate the quality or integrity of that data. Therefore, understanding data integrity is fundamental for organizations to ensure decision-making is based on trustworthy information.