Why it is essential to corporations to 'lock down' original records

As the world becomes more digitized, data has become an essential asset for any corporation. In today's age, corporations rely heavily on their data to make crucial decisions and improve their operations. However, as data ages, it can become outdated and unusable. This is why it is essential for corporations to lock down the original file from their legacy data and create updated working copies. In this Blog, we will explore the importance of this practice and the supporting data behind it.

What is Legacy Data?

Legacy data refers to data that is stored in outdated or obsolete formats or systems. This data may be stored on old software or hardware systems, making it challenging to access or use. It may also be in a file format that is no longer compatible with current software. Legacy data can cause a significant problem for corporations, as they may need to access this data for various reasons, including regulatory compliance, customer service, or legal requirements.

Why Lock Down the Original File from Legacy Data?

Corporations must lock down the original file from legacy data because it provides a secure and reliable backup of their data. By keeping the original file, corporations can ensure that they have access to the data, even if the updated versions are lost or corrupted. It also helps to preserve the integrity of the data, ensuring that it is not tampered with or altered in any way.
Another reason to lock down the original file is to comply with regulatory requirements. Many industries, including healthcare, finance, and government, have strict regulations regarding data retention and security. By keeping the original file, corporations can ensure that they are in compliance with these regulations.

Creating Updated Working Copies

While it is essential to keep the original file from legacy data, it is equally important to create updated working copies. This is because the original file may not be compatible with current software or hardware systems, making it challenging to access or use. Creating updated working copies ensures that the data is accessible and usable for current and future needs.
Creating updated working copies also helps to ensure that the data is accurate and up-to-date. As data ages, it may become outdated or irrelevant, making it unusable for current needs. By creating updated working copies, corporations can ensure that the data is current and relevant, enabling them to make informed decisions based on accurate information.

Supporting Data

The importance of locking down the original file and creating updated working copies is supported by various data and statistics. According to a survey conducted by Iron Mountain, 61% of businesses consider data loss to be their most significant security concern. Another survey conducted by IDC found that data growth is increasing at a rate of 40% per year. This means that corporations are producing and storing more data than ever before, making it even more critical to protect and preserve that data.
Furthermore, according to a study conducted by Veritas, 54% of all data is considered dark data, which means it is not being used or accessed by corporations. This data includes legacy data that may be stored on outdated systems or in incompatible file formats. By locking down the original file and creating updated working copies, corporations can ensure that this data is accessible and usable, enabling them to make informed decisions based on accurate information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is essential for corporations to lock down the original file from their legacy data and create updated working copies. By doing so, corporations can ensure that their data is secure, compliant with regulations, and accessible for current and future needs. The supporting data behind this practice is clear – data loss is a significant security concern for businesses, data growth is increasing, and a significant amount of data is considered dark data. By following this practice, corporations can ensure that they are making informed decisions based on accurate information and protecting their most valuable asset – their data.