What does integrity mean in the context of information security?

In the context of information security, integrity refers to the accuracy, consistency, and trustworthiness of data over its entire lifecycle. When information is stored and transferred as intended, it means that the data remains unchanged and authentic through its processing and transit, ensuring that it reflects the true state of the information as originally intended. This aspect of integrity is crucial because any unauthorized modifications, whether accidental or malicious, can compromise the trust users place in the data.

The other options relate to different aspects of information security. Ensuring information availability pertains to the principle of availability, which ensures that data and resources are accessible to authorized users when needed. Storing information in multiple locations addresses redundancy and data backup strategies, rather than integrity itself. Encrypting data is primarily concerned with confidentiality, aiming to protect information from unauthorized access rather than ensuring its accuracy or trustworthiness. Therefore, maintaining integrity is essential to preserving the value and reliability of information in any information security framework.