What does the term 'data governance' refer to in Microsoft Information Protection?

The term 'data governance' in Microsoft Information Protection refers to managing the availability, usability, integrity, and security of data. This concept encompasses the policies, standards, and procedures in place to ensure that data is handled properly throughout its lifecycle. Effective data governance enables organizations to maintain control over their data assets, ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing data quality.

By focusing on availability, governance ensures that data is accessible to authorized users when needed while also safeguarding it against unauthorized access. Usability pertains to data being formatted and organized in a way that makes it easy for users to understand and utilize. Integrity relates to maintaining the accuracy and consistency of data over its lifecycle, preventing issues like corruption or inaccurate reporting. Lastly, security measures are essential within data governance to protect sensitive information from breaches or unauthorized use.

In summary, data governance is a comprehensive framework intended to ensure that data is not only secure and compliant but also a valuable asset to the organization.