{"id":92136,"date":"2026-04-25T20:35:04","date_gmt":"2026-04-26T01:35:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/?p=92136"},"modified":"2026-04-25T20:35:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T01:35:04","slug":"a-look-at-data-retention-and-deletion-policies-and-compliance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/a-look-at-data-retention-and-deletion-policies-and-compliance.html","title":{"rendered":"A Look at Data Retention and Deletion Policies and Compliance"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s an aspect of the compliance conversation too many organizations overlook, and it\u2019s nearly as important as how data gets used: <strong>data retention and deletion policies.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Recently, a <a href=\"https:\/\/dataprivacymanager.net\/14-5-million-gdpr-fine-for-non-compliant-data-rentention-schedule\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u20ac14.5 million GDPR fine<\/a> was issued for a non-compliant data retention schedule. And a new report from 451 Research reveals that 31% of respondents aren\u2019t always following their data deletion and retention policies\u2014or haven\u2019t implemented retention policies at all.\u00b9<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a slight improvement over last year\u2019s study but still a clear sign that too many organizations need to tighten up their data management policies and procedures. If you have a data retention and deletion schedule, it\u2019s critical that you\u2019re following it. If you don\u2019t, here\u2019s what you need to know\u2014but note, this isn\u2019t legal advice and you should consult with your organization\u2019s lawyer or legal team.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What Is a Data Retention Schedule?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Data retention and deletion schedules address what happens to data after it\u2019s been used, dictating how long data can be stored and how it\u2019s disposed of. Even if you\u2019re not misusing the data and it\u2019s properly secured, retaining it beyond the cut-off date counts as an infraction .<\/p>\n<p>A data retention schedule can be absolutely critical to this aspect of compliance. A retention and deletion policy will cover:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What types of data are being stored and where\u2014so it can be easily located when it\u2019s time to delete. This includes all traces, such as in backups or file servers.<\/li>\n<li>A permission-based framework for all retained data<\/li>\n<li>Anonymization and encryption policies that will be used<\/li>\n<li>How it\u2019s being processed and why<\/li>\n<li>Why it\u2019s being stored\u2014including if there are legal or regulatory reasons for doing so, such as audits or tax reasons, historic or research purposes, etc.<\/li>\n<li>When it\u2019s being deleted (or moved) and protocols for deletion or sanitization<\/li>\n<li>How you\u2019ll document deletion or anonymization<\/li>\n<li>Roles and responsibilities of individuals monitoring compliance and retention<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In storing different data sets, I find one of the most helpful approaches is a tiered backup architecture. It allows you to separate data snapshots that are hot, warm, or cold. A data-only bunker can safely store large amounts of data that aren\u2019t needed for immediate use. <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.purestorage.com\/perspectives\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Check out this post for an example of a tiered bunker architecture you can create with Pure<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Note: You can set the schedules for data retention and deletion, but they must be justified. You must provide adequate reasoning for the schedule and proof you\u2019re following it.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Why Have a Data Retention Policy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>One of the biggest compliance missteps I\u2019ve seen companies make is keeping too much data for too long. In many cases, keeping too much data for too long can expose an organization to unnecessary risk. It\u2019s a bright, flashing target for bad actors and compliance officers alike. Not to mention, it can open your organization up to tremendous legal exposure.<\/p>\n<p>General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) calls this an individual\u2019s \u201c<strong>right to be forgotten<\/strong>,\u201d and it essentially means a company can\u2019t hang on to their data when it\u2019s no longer needed for processing.\u00b2 But other regulations, like HIPAA and ISO, can contribute to what should be in your policy, so <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.purestorage.com\/perspectives\/are-you-gdpr-compliant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">don\u2019t just stop at GDPR and consult your privacy expert<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The reason for this is that data sitting in archives or graveyards presents more risk for security breaches. If it\u2019s not needed and can be removed, your risk can be substantially lessened.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>How to Create (or Improve) a Retention Schedule<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>First, know that your retention policy should be an integral part of your overall data security strategy. The two are inextricably linked. Start with a security review so that you can align the two. Then, create a data flow map for your organization. Your retention strategy should address data along the flow map, documenting exactly:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What types of data are being stored and where\u2014so it can be easily located when it\u2019s time to delete. This includes all traces, such as in backups or file servers.<\/li>\n<li>A permission-based framework for all retained data<\/li>\n<li>Anonymization and encryption policies that will be used<\/li>\n<li>How it\u2019s being processed and why<\/li>\n<li>Why it\u2019s being stored\u2014including if there are legal or regulatory reasons for doing so, such as audits or tax reasons, historic or research purposes, etc.<\/li>\n<li>When it\u2019s being deleted (or moved) and protocols for deletion or sanitization<\/li>\n<li>How you\u2019ll document deletion or anonymization<\/li>\n<li>Roles and responsibilities of individuals monitoring compliance and retention<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Note: Sensitive personal information can be anonymized, which may preclude your need for retention or deletion of that particular data set. However, if this data paired with another data set can make it identifiable, it will still need to be deleted.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>How Pure Storage Can Help Support Retention Strategies <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Coupled with comprehensive organizational security measures, Pure Storage\u00ae can help you meet GDPR and other security requirements and data compliance regulations around the world, without adding more complexity.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The creation of tiered retained data with secure, data-only bunkers:<\/strong> Given that communication is established into, but not out of, the bunker, it\u2019s considered a highly secure location.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cloud-ready, seamless data mobility:<\/strong> Seamlessly move workloads to support changing business needs, including data sets that no longer have value for processing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data and backups safe from encryption or deletion.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.purestorage.com\/products\/protect-your-data-from-ransomware-with-safemode-snapshots\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SafeMode snapshots<\/a> protect your data, especially critical backups, from accidental deletion, compromised credentials, or encryption during an attack.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Modern data protection:<\/strong> We deliver the most modern data protection solutions, with security and rapid recovery against ransomware threats.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A single control pane for visibility:<\/strong> It\u2019s important to have a clear handle on where your most important data lives at any given time. Pure\u2019s simple setup, effortless operations, and unified control pane make it easy to see what workloads are where, so you can move data sets for deletion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Your first step is to meet with your compliance officer and include your CISO to make sure everyone\u2019s on the same page.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.purestorage.com\/content\/dam\/pdf\/en\/white-papers\/wp-flasharray-data-security-and-compliance.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download the \u201cFlashArray<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-smiley\" style=\"height: 1em; max-height: 1em;\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/11\/72x72\/2122.png?w=993&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\u2122\" \/> Data Security and Compliance\u201d white paper for an in-depth look at how.<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<ol class=\"footnotes\">\n<li>451 Research: 2021 Voice of the Enterprise: Storage Survey.<\/li>\n<li>https:\/\/gdpr-info.eu\/art-17-gdpr\/<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Source: Business 2 Community<\/p>\n<p id=\"kc_opp\"><small>Republished by  <a href=\"http:\/\/www.blogtrafficexchange.com\/\">Blog Post Promoter<\/a><\/small><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s an aspect of the compliance conversation too many organizations overlook, and it\u2019s nearly as important as how data gets used: data retention &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":92137,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[52],"tags":[113],"class_list":["post-92136","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-head-start","tag-business"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/blog-data-retention-compliance-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1440&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p3k0YU-nY4","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":92149,"url":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/6-ways-big-data-analytics-can-drive-down-costs.html","url_meta":{"origin":92136,"position":0},"title":"6 Ways Big Data Analytics Can Drive Down Costs","author":"admin","date":"April 8, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Companies depend on data to respond to evolving needs, improve customer relationships, and reduce the risks that threaten business operations. Through big data analytics, organizations can predict emerging trends and discover valuable insights that help them make strategic decisions. That said, one of the biggest benefits of the effective use\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;A Head Start&quot;","block_context":{"text":"A Head Start","link":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/category\/a-head-start"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/BLOG-TL-6-Ways-Data-Can-Drive-Down-Costs-1-768x432-2.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/BLOG-TL-6-Ways-Data-Can-Drive-Down-Costs-1-768x432-2.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/BLOG-TL-6-Ways-Data-Can-Drive-Down-Costs-1-768x432-2.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/BLOG-TL-6-Ways-Data-Can-Drive-Down-Costs-1-768x432-2.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":93650,"url":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/03\/taking-a-look-at-google-analytics-4.html","url_meta":{"origin":92136,"position":1},"title":"Taking a Look at Google Analytics 4","author":"admin","date":"March 28, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Google Analytics has been a staple in the toolbox of web designers, marketers, and SEO specialists for years. And although there\u2019s a steep learning curve, it offers an in-depth view of who\u2019s visiting your website and the actions they take. The massive piles of data Google Analytics provide hasn\u2019t necessarily\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Affiliate Marketing&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Affiliate Marketing","link":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/category\/affiliate-marketing"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ga4-preview-01.jpg?fit=900%2C400&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ga4-preview-01.jpg?fit=900%2C400&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ga4-preview-01.jpg?fit=900%2C400&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ga4-preview-01.jpg?fit=900%2C400&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":92987,"url":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/distributed-work-is-here-to-stay-how-your-business-can-adapt.html","url_meta":{"origin":92136,"position":2},"title":"Distributed work is here to stay \u2014 how your business can adapt","author":"admin","date":"April 4, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"It\u2019s no secret that the business world and working environments have changed drastically since 2020. With fierce competition in recruiting for skilled labor becoming a critical issue for businesses, having employees in varied locations around the U.S. or even internationally has become an increasingly common solution. It looks like this\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;E-business &amp; E-marketing&quot;","block_context":{"text":"E-business &amp; E-marketing","link":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/category\/ebusiness-emarketing"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":92116,"url":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/how-to-use-a-pos-system-beyond-processing-transactions.html","url_meta":{"origin":92136,"position":3},"title":"How to use a POS system beyond processing transactions","author":"admin","date":"April 17, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Owners of brick-and-mortar stores will be familiar with the physical version of the point of sale or POS, while ecommerce sellers will see online checkouts as their major POS. However, the point of sale has evolved, and its evolution has brought improved utility for both types of merchants. POS systems\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;E-business &amp; E-marketing&quot;","block_context":{"text":"E-business &amp; E-marketing","link":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/category\/ebusiness-emarketing"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":92813,"url":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/04\/what-to-know-before-using-social-media-apis-on-your-website.html","url_meta":{"origin":92136,"position":4},"title":"What to Know Before Using Social Media APIs on Your Website","author":"admin","date":"April 20, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are among the most powerful features of social media networks. They allow us to add both content and functionality to a website while taking advantage of their vast data capabilities. And developers have found all sorts of creative uses. For example, enabling users to log into\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Affiliate Marketing&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Affiliate Marketing","link":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/category\/affiliate-marketing"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/social-media-apis-01.jpg?fit=900%2C400&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/social-media-apis-01.jpg?fit=900%2C400&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/social-media-apis-01.jpg?fit=900%2C400&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/social-media-apis-01.jpg?fit=900%2C400&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":93446,"url":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/03\/sell-smarter-on-amazon-the-metrics-you-need-to-be-tracking.html","url_meta":{"origin":92136,"position":5},"title":"Sell smarter on Amazon: The metrics you need to be tracking","author":"admin","date":"March 27, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"You\u2019ve been selling on Amazon for a while, and it\u2019s going well, thanks to the tips you picked up from the Amazon Selling Guide. But you\u2019re looking for ways to improve your sales even further by analyzing your seller data.\u00a0 One of the key ways to improve your sales is\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;E-business &amp; E-marketing&quot;","block_context":{"text":"E-business &amp; E-marketing","link":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/category\/ebusiness-emarketing"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92136","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=92136"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92136\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":103198,"href":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92136\/revisions\/103198"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/92137"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=92136"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=92136"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bricktowntom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=92136"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}