What is a Data Repository?
In order to keep information secure, it’s important that companies have a data repository. We’ll talk about what the best practices are for working with them.
Companies are paying more attention to the data they collect, store and analyze.
Data Repository Definition
A data repository is a place where all the company’s data is stored and can be analyzed. Data repositories are large databases that collect, store and manage data sets for analysis. This is where all the data goes.
Data Repositories Types
A data repository can be many things, like a file folder or hard drive to store information.
It's a place where all the company’s information about its customers, products and employees are stored.
It can be a large storage location for unstructured data. The metadata helps organize the information.
There can also be subsets of the data repository. These data marts have a more specific focus and can be easier to use.
Metadata repositories store information about data sources. The metadata explains where the data came from, how it was stored and what it represents.
Data cubes are tables with three or more dimensions stored in a spreadsheet – you can find them in an Excel sheet.
Advantages of a Data Repository
Data is important for business decisions. It can be used to make informed choices, in contrast with just relying on instinct or anecdotal evidence.
It’s easier to report or analyze data when it is isolated because the data will be clustered together.
Database administrators have an easier time tracking problems because of the compartmentalization and segregation in data repositories.
Data is saved and will be archived for future generations.
The more data you have, the harder it is to classify. But with context-, content- and user-based classification techniques, you can make your life a little easier.
Cons of a Data Repository
The data security risks these companies are trying to avoid include:
- Database management systems need to be able to scale with the growth of data.
- A system crash could affect all the data. Backup and isolate access to databases so that if a crash occurs, we can limit any potential damages.
- If all sensitive data is in one location, it’s easier for unauthorized users to get their hands on the information.
I understand that putting all of your eggs in one basket is risky, but there are mitigating factors. It’s much more difficult to secure data when it’s only stored in a single location than if you distribute the data across several repositories. And it’s easier to backup individual databases instead of managing distributed backups.
Data management is a valid concern, but it can be addressed when planning.
Best Steps for Working with Data Repositories
Data warehouses are a lot of work. Before you get there, establishing some best practices will inform the hardware and software decisions you make.
The data repository will need to grow. With a system that is constantly updated, it can be used for many purposes.
Hire someone who can maintain the data repository.
I would start with a smaller data repository and collect only the information I need. As users learn how to use it, they will discover what is valuable for them.
- Use ETL tools to migrate data and ensure the quality of the transferred data.
- Build the data marts first, then build your data warehouse.
- Decide how often the data warehouse will be updated with new information. This can depend on many different factors, such as volume of data.
- Metadata helps with the quality of data analysis and reporting.
Data is not enough; people need to be educated on how to use data and have support for that.
The data repository will need to evolve. This is because the types of data it collects and how they are used for changes over time.
As more organizations adopt data repositories to store and manage their ever-growing volume of data, a secure approach is pertinent to an enterprise’s overall security posture. Adopting sound practices like developing comprehensive access rules allow only authorized users with legitimate business needs can view or transmit sensitive information stored in the database. Combined with digital signatures that are required for any transfer involving confidential material or multi-factor authentication, these measures go way beyond what most companies have done before.
Protect Your Organization from Cybersecurity Threats
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