Which of the following best defines data integrity?

Data integrity refers to the accuracy and consistency of data throughout its lifecycle. This concept is essential because it ensures that the data remains reliable and trustworthy over time. When data integrity is maintained, users can have confidence in the information they are using for decision-making and operations.

This definition encompasses various practices aimed at safeguarding data against corruption, unauthorized access, and other threats that could lead to inaccuracies. Maintaining data integrity involves implementing controls and checks, such as validation rules, error detection measures, and access permissions.

The other options focus on different aspects of data management. Data recovery addresses the restoration of lost or corrupted data, capturing and storing large volumes of data pertains to data management and storage capabilities, and processing speed relates to the system's performance in handling data. While all these elements are important in the realm of data management, only the focus on accuracy and consistency directly relates to the essence of data integrity.