What is the key benefit of maintaining data integrity?

Maintaining data integrity is fundamentally about ensuring that data remains accurate, consistent, and trustworthy over its lifecycle. This includes preventing unauthorized alterations, corruption, or loss of data, which can arise from various sources such as human error, cyber threats, or system failures. When data integrity is upheld, it guarantees that the information is reliable and can be used for analysis, decision-making, and reporting without the risk of discrepancies. This reliability is especially vital in contexts where data-driven decisions are critical, such as in healthcare, finance, and legal matters.

The focus on accuracy and trustworthiness is central to many organizational functions, as stakeholders must have confidence in the data they are using. If data integrity is compromised, it can lead to poor decision-making, financial loss, and damage to a company's reputation. Thus, keeping data accurate and trustworthy is the key benefit of data integrity, supporting the overall quality and usability of the data within an organization.