Data integrity refers to the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data over its entire life cycle, from creation or acquisition to deletion. It ensures that the data is reliable, trustworthy, and meets the intended purpose of its use. Data integrity is essential for organizations that rely on data for decision-making and business operations. It helps to prevent errors and inconsistencies that can lead to misguided decisions, inaccurate reporting, and compliance issues.
There are various methods to ensure data integrity, including implementing data validation checks, using encryption, establishing access controls, and maintaining audit trails. It is also important to have policies and procedures in place to govern data management practices and ensure that data is handled appropriately throughout its life cycle.
Organizations can ensure data integrity by implementing various measures and best practices throughout the entire data life cycle: