What is the purpose of a data audit?

The purpose of a data audit primarily revolves around understanding data integrity and security, which is reflected in the selected answer. A data audit involves a systematic examination of data to ensure its accuracy, reliability, and consistency. By assessing these aspects, organizations can verify that their data complies with relevant standards, regulations, and internal policies. This process helps identify any discrepancies, weaknesses, or vulnerabilities in data storage and management practices, which is crucial for maintaining trust and achieving effective data governance.

The other options, while related to data handling, do not encapsulate the core objective of a data audit. Analyzing statistical measures, for instance, involves examining data rather than checking its integrity. Reducing data volumes pertains to data management strategies and efficiency, but it doesn't directly relate to the assessment of data quality or security. Creating predictive models relies on analyzing existing data rather than auditing it to ensure integrity and security. Each of these activities has its importance in the broader scope of data analysis and management but does not fundamentally define the goal of a data audit.