Sprinto’s Data Retention Policy Template

The data retention policy template helps organizations understand guidelines related to data storage, processing, management, and disposal of data.

What is a data retention policy template?

A data retention policy template is a pre-designed document that outlines the procedure for handling data from creation to purge. This includes retaining the data for a necessary period by defining retention periods based on legal and regulatory requirements and securely disposing of it when it is no longer needed.

Why do you need this template?

A data retention policy template enhances the accuracy and efficiency of data management processes. It acts as a step-by-step guide to retaining data for a valid reason, ensuring its security while stored, and facilitating a secure deletion upon customer requests or at the end of the lawful purpose of processing.

Consistent practices

Adopt consistent practices for data management and ensure process standardization across departments.

Compliance management

Adhere to industry standards for data retention and avoid non-compliance repercussions.

Risk minimization

Minimize risks related to data breaches, data loss and unauthorized access by ensuring accountability and transparency.

Efficient data management

Enhance data management efficiency by making it easier to organize, store, archive, and dispose of data.

How to use the data retention template?

Design and customize

Customize this template according to your business context and security requirements. Be forward-thinking when applying its scope to your business.

Test your template

Validate the steps included in this template for accuracy. Test the policy template and make changes to ensure proximity to the business context.

Acquaint your workforce

Educate your workforce on the scope of the policy, their roles and responsibilities within the function it covers, and how to use it effectively.

Make improvements

Review your policy on a regular basis (ideally once every 6 to 12 months) to ensure it is up to date and aligned with industry requirements.

Leverage automation

Roll out policies, schedule security and policy training, and gain completion acknowledgments within a single interface to ensure 100% adherence.

Data Retention Policy Template

Get started with this template right now. It’s free

The Sprinto advantage

Get out-of-the-box policy templates vetted by our audit partners and remove the guesswork from security operations. Streamline the compliance program with reusable and adaptable policy templates that help you act fast and remove the complexity in asset management.

Expand the scope of your compliance program—Drive continuous control monitoring, access control, and evidence collection, and more for faster time to value and quicker audit readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

The data retention policy must clearly establish roles and responsibilities of every stakeholder. During the implementation phase, the primary responsibility usually falls on data owners, IT admins and compliance officers.

The template should be regularly reviewed, at least annually, and updated to accommodate any regulatory changes.

Yes, you can tailor the template for various departments as per their unique needs to address the data privacy concerns while keeping the processes standardized across the organization.