When implementing a data retention policy, what must a DBA ensure concerning historical data?

• A. It is deleted promptly
• B. It is archived appropriately for legal purposes
• C. It is copied to live databases
• D. It is backed up daily

Answer: (B)

A data retention policy is crucial for managing historical data in a way that meets both organizational needs and legal compliance. Ensuring that historical data is archived appropriately for legal purposes means that the data is preserved in a secure and retrievable manner, complying with regulations that may dictate how long certain types of data must be kept. This can help protect the organization in case of audits, legal disputes, or compliance checks.

Archiving historical data is also critical for maintaining the integrity of the database, as it prevents data bloat in live operational systems while still allowing access to necessary information in case it is needed in the future. Proper archiving methods can include using specialized storage solutions that protect and preserve data without cluttering active systems.

In contrast, deleting historical data promptly would contradict the need for compliance and legal readiness. Copying historical data to live databases could lead to confusion and unnecessary complexity in data management, increasing the risk of data inconsistencies. Daily backups, while important, do not directly address the long-term retention and accessibility needs for historical records dictated by a data retention policy. Thus, effective archiving practices are essential for fulfilling both operational and legal requirements regarding historical data.