Data retention policies are a crucial component of any backup and recovery plan. They dictate how long data is kept and when it should be deleted. The primary goal of a data retention policy is to ensure that data is available when needed while also protecting it from unauthorized access. We will introduce Ahsay's data retention policy and discuss the best practices for setting a data retention policy for backup and recovery.
The data retention policy regulates the length of time older versions of deleted files/folders, updated files, or updated file permissions/attributes are kept before they are permanently removed from the backup storage. You can set specified the number of days, weeks, months, or backup jobs.
When Ahsay performs a backup job, it may detect that changes have occurred since the previous backup; files and folders may be deleted, updated, or file permission/attributes may be updated. These outdated files and folders will now be moved from the "data area" to the "retention area", similar to a recycle bin. These files, folders, and file permissions/attributes are still available for recovery until they are permanently removed from the backup storage.
The Best Practice for Setting a Data Retention Policy for Backup and Recovery
Defining a Data Retention Policy
Before setting a data retention policy, you should define what data is being backed up and why. This includes identifying the type of data, where it is stored, and how often it is accessed. Once you have a clear understanding of the data, you can decide how long it should be retained.
Determining Retention Periods
The retention period should be based on the value of the data. For example, data that is critical to business operations should be retained for a longer period than less important data. The retention period should also consider legal and regulatory requirements. For example, data related to financial transactions may be required to be kept for a certain period of time by law.
Regular Review of Retention Policies
Data retention policies should be regularly reviewed to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the organization. Changes in business requirements, legal and regulatory requirements, and technological advancements may require updates to the policy. Additionally, regular reviews can help identify data that is no longer needed and can be deleted.
Setting a data retention policy for backup and recovery is critical to ensure that data is available when needed and protected from unauthorized access. Defining the data being backed up, determining retention periods based on the value of the data, and regularly reviewing policies are all best practices for setting a data retention policy. By following these best practices, organizations can ensure that their data retention policies are effective and meet their needs. Please be reminded to set your company data retention policy when using Ahsay backup.