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Data Retention

The practice of storing and managing data associated with Non-Human Identities (NHIs) for a specified period.

Description

Data retention in the context of Non-Human Identities (NHIs) refers to the policies and practices related to the storage, maintenance, and eventual deletion of data that is associated with entities that are not human, such as IoT devices, bots, or systems. As NHIs often generate and interact with vast amounts of data, organizations must determine how long this data will be kept and under what circumstances it can be accessed or deleted. Data retention policies help ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, manage storage costs, and protect sensitive information. In many cases, the data collected from NHIs can be critical for analytics, machine learning, or operational efficiency, which necessitates careful consideration of retention periods. Organizations must balance the benefits of retaining data for future use against the risks associated with potential data breaches or misuse. Effective data retention strategies will also include guidelines for data anonymization or pseudonymization where appropriate.

Examples

  • A smart thermostat retaining temperature settings and usage data for two years to improve energy efficiency.
  • A chatbot storing conversation logs for a period of six months to enhance user experience through analysis.

Additional Information

  • Data retention policies may vary by industry, with stricter regulations in sectors like finance and healthcare.
  • Technological advancements, such as cloud storage, can influence how organizations implement their data retention strategies.

References