Caleb Baines, Seth Sarauw, Amanda Coleman, Lee Arrington

11/12/25

Data Integrity Research – Human Error

BLUF: Human error is one of the most common and significant threats to data integrity; for our in-class assignment, we’ll be going over the threats it poses along with possible solutions to said threats given. 

Human Error as a Threat to Data Integrity

Data integrity refers to the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data throughout its lifecycle. Human errors are mistakes that can leave openings to risks and vulnerabilities that could give means to unauthorized access to sensitive data. Despite technological advancements in security systems and data management tools, human mistakes often lead to data inconsistencies, corruption, or breaches. Some of these threats can include mistakes in data entries, miscommunication, data deletion or overwriting, and improper data handling or storage. These errors can occur at various points in the data lifecycle, including data entry, transmission, storage, and analysis.  According to IBM.com, a few impacts that can happen from the errors stated above are inaccuracies in reports, loss of trust in data, regulatory compliance issues, operational delays and financial losses. 

Countermeasures to Mitigate Human Error

Human Error is something that is accounted for in general, although very overlooked for this reason. However, with the right attention, it can be dealt with in a swift and professional manner. Some countermeasures can include, but not limited to user training and awareness, automated data validation, backups, role-based access, error-resistant software design, audit trials, error detection algorithm, clear data governance and protocols, and user-friendly interfaces. While it is impossible to eliminate human error entirely, several countermeasures can significantly reduce the likelihood and impact of these mistakes on data integrity.

Conclusion

Human error poses a serious threat to data integrity, but through a combination of training, automated systems, access controls, and systematic procedures, organizations can significantly reduce the impact of these errors. A well-rounded approach that combines technological tools with a culture of data awareness is essential for maintaining high-quality, reliable data in any organization.