Inadequate ownership policy for data may lead to what critical risk?

The correct answer highlights a significant risk associated with the lack of a clear and effective ownership policy for data. Inadequate ownership policies can result in unauthorized data modifications, which poses a direct threat to the integrity and security of the data. When ownership is not clearly defined, there is often confusion regarding who has the authority to make changes or access sensitive data. This lack of clarity can lead to unauthorized individuals making modifications without proper oversight, leading to potential data corruption, data breaches, or other security incidents.

When data ownership is well-defined, it establishes clear responsibilities and accountability, ensuring that only authorized personnel can modify the data. This clarity helps protect against unauthorized changes and maintains the trustworthiness and reliability of the data, which is crucial for effective decision-making and compliance with regulations.

By understanding the implications of weak data ownership policies, organizations can better appreciate the necessity of establishing clear data ownership frameworks to mitigate risks effectively.