Emerging data protection legislation like the GDPR, CCPA, SOX, HIPAA, GLBA, etc. have made it obligatory for businesses to be accountable for data that they process and control. This has given rise to the need to protect data across all its lifecycle stages. Thus, the need for effective data lifecycle management has become imminent more than ever.
What is Data Lifecycle Management?
Data lifecycle management is described as the management of data as it moves across different phases of its lifecycle from the time of its creation to its final disposal. The data lifecycle moves across different stages including its creation, storage, usage, retention, and destruction. Each stage of data lifecycle management has its own set of protocols that defines its privacy, protection, and compliance.
Stage1: Data Creation
The first stage of data lifecycle management is the creation of data. It is created through multiple sources and means within an organization and accumulates over time. Data can also be captured from multiple devices involved in running various processes of the organization across departments like Customer Service, Sales, Accounts, Purchases, Partners, etc. It can also be sourced from a third party.
Stage 2: Data Storage
The next stage of data lifecycle management is 'Storage' which is critical for any organization from a data privacy, security, and compliance standpoint. Adequate measures must be taken to prevent any data leakage or loss while storing data either internally or on the cloud. The data Remediation Process is a part of the 'Storage Stage' in Data Lifecycle Management and demands data segmentation, classification, migration, and handling of information securely throughout its lifecycle
Stage 3: Data Usage
This is the most important stage in data lifecycle management as the data is analyzed and processed to support various business-critical activities. Data at this stage help businesses make informed decisions. The use of appropriate automated software to handle data usage is advisable when processing bulk customer, employee, investor, and shareholder data in order to have traceable records for meeting compliance.
Stage 4: Archival
Data archival ensures that data can be retained and retrieved when needed. The archived data is stored away from the active environment without any maintenance. Although seemingly not important in the present context, an archive becomes critical when even mundane data becomes necessary for mission-critical tasks. Any lapse in the security of the data stored in the archives can be disastrous if it is hacked or misused leading to data theft and breach.
Stage 5: Destruction
With the accumulation of data and the growing need for advanced technology, storage needs to be upgraded. Post upgrade, old servers need to be dismantled and erased securely using the right data sanitization and destruction tool to get rid of every bit of information. Moreover, businesses also destroy data that is either redundant or that has reached its end-of-life. Defining a data destruction policy is advisable for an organization to handle its IT Asset disposition effectively.
Data Erasure: An Essential Component in Data Lifecycle Management
Secure data erasure forms an integral part of the Data lifecycle management process as it prevents and safeguards an organization from any instance of a data breach. Data Controllers and auditors in any organization demand effective tools for managing data erasure at all intervals with structured audit trails. Automation of wiping unwanted and redundant files periodically is essential for maintaining security compliance and also help save time, money and mitigate the risk of leakage.
Automate Data Erasure Tasks Seamlessly Through BitRaser
When it comes to Data Destruction of unimportant files, folders, and data in volumes, you may choose BitRaser File Eraser which provides ample options to businesses for automating and scheduling erasure tasks periodically. The tool helps in ensuring compliance with global data protection regulations and safeguards against invasion of privacy. Organizational policies can be created to erase a particular file or folder on a particular date and time without the need to manually erase the same. The software generates proof of erasure in terms of auditable reports for all your compliance needs.
In case drives and devices are discarded at the end-of-life then BitRaser Drive Eraser is an optimal choice. The tool helps in erasing data on devices completely, ensuring no information trace is left behind. It also provides proof of destruction in the form of a certificate of erasure that helps organizations comply with global laws and regulations.
Conclusion:
Data erasure is an integral part of data lifecycle management that helps in meeting data privacy, security, and global regulatory compliance challenges, preventing data breach risks. With a professional and automated data erasure tool, you can automate your erasure tasks on all types of storage devices used across the organization. A robust data destruction policy followed by appropriate measures to destruct end-of-life IT assets would help in adherence to global data protection legislations.
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