What does the term "data integrity" refer to?

The term "data integrity" specifically pertains to the assurance that data is accurate and trustworthy. It involves maintaining and assuring the accuracy and consistency of data over its lifecycle. This encompasses various processes and measures that prevent data corruption, unauthorized alterations, or data loss, ensuring that the information remains reliable for its intended use.

Data integrity is crucial in various domains, especially in fields such as finance, healthcare, and research, where decisions based on incorrect or corrupted data can have serious implications. By focusing on accuracy, reliability, and consistency, organizations can make informed decisions, comply with regulations, and maintain trust with stakeholders.

In contrast to the other options, the first option deals with data management but doesn't relate to the precision or reliability of data; the third option addresses data compression rather than its accuracy; and the fourth pertains to user activity rather than the fundamental quality of the data itself. Thus, the definition focusing on ensuring data accuracy and trustworthiness most accurately captures the essence of data integrity.