Which element of information security includes the trustworthiness of data or resources in terms of preventing improper and unauthorized changes?

Integrity is a fundamental element of information security that refers to the accuracy and trustworthiness of data and resources. It ensures that information remains unaltered and is not improperly or unauthorizedly modified. By maintaining data integrity, an organization ensures that the information is reliable and can be trusted by its users and stakeholders.

When integrity is in place, it becomes possible to detect any unauthorized changes, thereby preserving the consistency and accuracy of data over time. This is essential in various scenarios, such as database management, financial transactions, and any context where the reliability of information is critical.

Confidentiality refers to the protection of information from unauthorized access, while availability focuses on ensuring that information and resources are accessible when needed. Authenticity involves verifying the identity of users, devices, or systems to ensure that they are who they claim to be. Although these elements are all vital for a robust information security framework, integrity specifically targets the prevention of unauthorized alterations, making it the correct answer in this context.