Grade 12 · Theory
Caring for and managing data
Database Management · about 4 min
Visual overview: Caring for and managing data1 MIN READ
2 study sections · pause after each one and recall the key ideaData is an asset with a life cycle. Managing it means protecting quality, availability and confidentiality from capture to deletion.
Key points- Backup strategy: regular, automated, tested restores; keep an off-site or cloud copy (3-2-1 rule).
- Access control: users see only what their role requires; audit trails record who changed what.
- Data quality maintenance: deduplication, correction procedures, validation on entry.
- Archiving moves old data out of live systems; retention policies say how long to keep it.
- Secure disposal: wipe or destroy media; deletion isn't destruction.
- POPIA: safeguard personal data and honour subjects' rights.
- 3-2-1 backup — 3 copies, 2 media types, 1 off-site.
- Audit trail — a log of data access and changes.
EXAM TIP
describe a complete backup plan for a small business (what, how often, where, and testing restores).