The accuracy and consistency of data over its lifecycle.
Description
Data integrity refers to the maintenance of, and the assurance of, the accuracy and consistency of data throughout its lifecycle. In the context of cybersecurity, data integrity ensures that information is reliable, trustworthy, and unaltered unless authorized. This is crucial for organizations as any corruption or unauthorized modification of data can lead to severe consequences, such as financial loss, data breaches, and reputational damage. Data integrity can be compromised due to human error, cyber attacks, or hardware malfunctions. Implementing measures like data validation, checksums, and encryption helps in preserving data integrity. Organizations also rely on access controls and audit trails to monitor changes and ensure that only authorized personnel can modify sensitive data. The significance of data integrity is underscored by regulatory requirements across various industries, including healthcare and finance, where data accuracy is critical for compliance and operational efficiency.
Examples
- A bank using checksums to verify that transaction data has not been altered during transmission.
- Healthcare providers implementing access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can alter patient records.
Additional Information
- Regular audits and data backups are essential for maintaining data integrity.
- Technologies like blockchain provide enhanced data integrity by creating immutable records.