What is one of the primary reasons for ensuring data integrity?

Ensuring data integrity is crucial primarily because it ensures that decisions are made based on correct information. When data integrity is maintained, it means that the data is accurate, consistent, and reliable over its lifecycle. This reliability is fundamental for organizations since decisions—whether operational, strategic, or analytical—are often based on the data at hand. If the data is corrupted, outdated, or incorrect, it can lead to poor decision-making, which can have detrimental effects on an organization’s efficiency, credibility, and overall success. Therefore, maintaining data integrity is essential not only for the smooth functioning of processes but also for fostering trust in the information that drives critical business decisions.