What does data integrity ensure about information?

Data integrity is a crucial concept in information security and management. It ensures that information remains accurate, consistent, and trustworthy throughout its lifecycle. This means that the data has not been altered or tampered with in unauthorized ways, thus preserving its quality and correctness over time.

When data integrity is maintained, users can rely on the information provided, knowing that it truly reflects reality or the intended input. This is essential in various fields, such as finance, healthcare, and legal documentation, where decisions are often based on the data at hand.

While other options discuss aspects of data protection and management, such as encryption, backup procedures, and accessibility, they do not directly relate to the core concept of integrity. Encryption focuses on the confidentiality of data, backups relate to data availability and recovery, and accessibility pertains to how easily data can be retrieved and used. None of these options directly address the fundamental assurance that data will be accurate and consistent, which is the essence of data integrity.