Which of the following is a primary purpose of data security?

• A. To increase data sharing
• B. To protect data from unauthorized access and alteration
• C. To ensure data is always public
• D. To reduce data storage

Answer: (B)

Data security is about keeping information safe from people who shouldn’t access it and from changes that aren’t authorized. In health information management, this means protecting patient records so they remain private, accurate, and available to those who need them. Controls like access limits, encryption, audit logs, and backups help ensure that only authorized users can view or alter data, that any changes are tracked, and that records aren’t corrupted or lost. The goal isn’t to increase sharing, reveal data publicly, or reduce storage; it’s to safeguard confidentiality and integrity while preserving reliable access for legitimate use.