In database management, why is preventing unauthorized access important?

Preventing unauthorized access is critically important primarily to protect sensitive information. In any database system, there are various types of data, including personal, financial, or confidential information that, if accessed by unauthorized individuals, could lead to various negative consequences, such as identity theft, data breaches, or other forms of exploitation. Protecting sensitive data helps maintain user trust, safeguard privacy, and comply with regulations, like GDPR or HIPAA, that mandate strict data protection protocols. Thus, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access specific data minimizes the risk of misuse and supports the overall integrity of the data management system.