Data custodian definition
A data custodian is a person or entity responsible for managing and protecting an organization’s data. Data custodians work closely with data owners, users, IT staff, and legal and compliance teams to ensure that data is managed, protected, and used properly.
In large organizations (e.g., government agencies, universities, and large companies), a whole team could be responsible for securely storing and properly maintaining data.
See also: data breach, packet switched network, customer edge router
Data custodian responsibilities
- Data quality. Data custodians are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of data.
- Data security. Data custodians must ensure that data is protected from unauthorized access, misuse, or theft. They may work with other stakeholders to implement security measures like firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems.
- Data access management. Data custodians also control the access to data to ensure that only authorized personnel can view or modify it. Data access management may involve implementing password policies, access controls, and encryption protocols.
- Data backup and recovery. Another responsibility of data custodians is to ensure that data is backed up regularly.
- Data storage. Data custodians ensure that data is stored securely and can be accessed when needed.
- Compliance with regulations. Managing data in compliance with relevant laws and regulations is another data custodian responsibility.
