This guide outlines six recommended practices for effective data retention. Data retention refers to the practice of storing data for a specified duration based on legal, regulatory, or business requirements. It emphasizes the importance of establishing clear retention policies that define how long different types of data should be stored, in alignment with regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA. The guide details the necessity of classifying and labeling data to determine its retention needs and automating retention and deletion processes to enhance compliance and reduce errors. It also stresses the importance of scrutinizing storage and access controls to ensure data security, conducting regular reviews and audits of retention practices to identify gaps, and educating employees on data retention requirements. These practices collectively help mitigate security risks, ensure compliance, and maintain organizational accountability.