Data retention refers to the policies and practices that organizations use to manage the storage and preservation of data over time. This includes determining how long different types of data, such as customer information or transaction records, should be kept before being deleted or archived. Effective data retention helps ensure compliance with legal requirements and protects sensitive information. Organizations often implement data retention schedules, which outline specific timeframes for retaining various data types. These schedules help balance the need for data accessibility with the risks associated with keeping data too long, such as potential breaches or misuse. Proper data retention practices are essential for maintaining data integrity and security.