What Happens to Deleted Cloud Data?
October 24, 2024
Simply hitting delete on a file in the cloud doesn’t guarantee it’s truly gone. The situation is somewhat similar to erasing a whiteboard but still seeing faint traces of what was once there. That begs the question — what happens to the deleted data? More importantly, what does it mean for companies aiming to safeguard their information in an age of rampant cybersecurity incidents?
Data Erasure Process in Cloud Environments
Understanding the nuances of data deletion in online storage can help organizations navigate the complexities of securing their information technology framework.
When a user removes a file from the cloud, the system updates its metadata to indicate the file is no longer active, showing it as “deleted.” This action frees up the storage space previously occupied by the file, making it available for new data to be written.
However, the actual bits and bytes constituting the erased file may remain intact on the storage media until overwritten by subsequent data writes. While users may no longer have direct access to the deleted file through normal means, traces of the data may be recoverable using advanced programs.
This soft deletion imposes an internal recovery period with varying durations, depending on the service provider. For instance, Google Cloud sets a 30-day window to restore the file in case of accidental erasure. Some data, such as account information, may remain in the deletion pipeline for up to 180 days.
Impact on Data Privacy and Security
Incomplete information deletion in the cloud can have significant implications. Cybercriminals increasingly target cloud infrastructure, with direct attacks rising by 288% from 2022 to 2023. These actors can potentially access or recover lingering data in the system and use it to conduct wider-scale infiltrations.
Expensive Remediation
Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information from “recovered fragmented data” may result in substantial reputational damage and financial losses for the organization. On average, data breaches cost $4.45 million per incident.
Legal and Compliance Implications
Data remnants in cloud systems may present legal issues for organizations, especially in regulated industries. Failure to completely and securely delete data can result in noncompliance penalties regarding data protection regulations such as HIPAA, PCI DSS and FACTA. Organizations may face additional scrutiny and more severe punishments when erased information is later discovered or breached.
Ensuring Assured Data Deletion
Implement these tips in data deletion practices to enhance security, privacy and data management compliance in cloud environments.
Utilize Advanced Deletion Methods
Features like “secure delete” (SDelete) or “data wipe” go beyond standard deletion methods. SDelete overwrites a deleted file’s on-disk data with random information multiple times, making it more challenging to recover residual bits and bytes. Because of this advanced function, SDelete is a Department of Defense data deletion standard, providing added assurance of its effectiveness.
Request Confirmation
After deleting data, proactively contact the cloud provider to confirm the information has been permanently erased from their servers. Request a certificate of deletion to document the successful and complete data removal.
Encrypt Data Prior to Cloud Storage
Encrypting sensitive data before uploading it to the cloud adds a layer of protection. Disposing of the encryption keys after data deletion means that even if remnants exist, the information remains inaccessible.
For highly sensitive data, employing higher-tier encryption like Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) can provide a greater degree of certainty regarding its inaccessibility. PGP’s dual-key system ensures advanced data confidentiality before transmission to cloud storage and subsequent deletion.
Test With Small Data
Conduct test deletions using non-sensitive information to evaluate the effectiveness of the deletion process. Monitor how the provider handles the deleted data, including any residual traces or backups.
Cloud Service Independent Audits
Prioritize cloud providers that undergo regular independent audits of their data handling and deletion practices. Third-party certifications and audits validate the provider’s commitment to security and compliance. Look for certifications like SOC 2 and ISO 27001 or GDPR compliance as indicators of robust data management practices.
Protect Deleted Data in the Modern Digital Environment
Understanding the ins and outs of data deletion in cloud settings is crucial in today’s digital age. While it may appear final, residuals from previously erased data can be recoverable and exploited during cyberattacks.
Upholding data privacy and security through proper destruction techniques and advanced encryption is a regulatory and financial imperative. Utilize these best practices as a foundation for building a robust data deletion process.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Zac writes for ReHack as the Features Editor and covers cybersecurity, IT, and business tech. His work has been featured on publications like AllBusiness, CyberTalk, and BLR. For more of his writing, follow him on Twitter or LinkedIn.
