Minimum Data Retention Policy

A minimum data retention policy (also known as a minimum storage duration policy) is a rule that defines the shortest period backup data must be stored before it can be deleted. This policy ensures that data is retained long enough to meet compliance, auditing, or recovery requirements, even if users attempt to delete it manually or through automated cleanup settings.

Key Points

Purpose: Prevents premature deletion of data.

Applies To: Cloud storage destinations.

Enforced By: Cloud storage providers (e.g., AWS, Wasabi).

Impact: Even if you delete data or reduce retention settings, data protected by a minimum retention policy should remain on storage until the retention period expires. Otherwise, an early deletion fee may be applied. The fee amount depends on the cloud storage provider.

Example

If the minimum retention is set to 30 days, backup files created today must not be deleted until 30 days have passed. Otherwise, an early deletion fee will apply.