What does integrity ensure in an information security context?

In the context of information security, integrity primarily refers to the accuracy and consistency of data over its lifecycle. This means that data should remain unaltered and uncorrupted when it is stored, processed, or transmitted. Ensuring integrity helps to protect data from unauthorized alterations. If data integrity is compromised, it can lead to incorrect information being processed and used, which can have significant consequences for decision-making and operational processes. This principle is crucial for maintaining trust in systems and ensuring that the information used by organizations is reliable and valid.

While the other options touch on important aspects of information security, such as maintaining system performance, access control, and regulatory compliance, they do not specifically address the essence of integrity as it pertains to data management and protection against unauthorized changes. Thus, ensuring accuracy and consistency of data is the clear focus of integrity in the realm of information security.