Critical Data Definition

Critical data is information that an organization or company decides is necessary for successful operations.

This data is often kept for long-term usage. Financial and operational data are often critical data, as well as intelligence that involves other businesses.

Personal information — including personal identifiable information (PII) — regarding employees and customers is also considered critical data.

Personal data must be safeguarded and maintained by law.

Critical data can vary from company to company and it is not strictly IT that decides what data is critical.

It is important for every department to be represented when decisions about critical data are made.