Security questionnaire guide
How to answer data retention questions in a security questionnaire
Clarify customer data retention, deletion, backups, and account termination handling.
What buyers usually ask
How long do you retain customer data?
Can customers request deletion?
What happens after account termination?
What evidence you usually need
Privacy policy
DPA
Terms of service
Data retention policy
Example safe answer structure
Explain the retention period and deletion process based on policy. Mention backup deletion timelines only when documented.
Common mistakes
- Claiming a certification or control that is not documented.
- Copying an old answer without checking whether it still applies.
- Leaving out evidence, owner, confidence, or review status.
- Marking an answer as ready when it needs legal, security, or engineering review.
Answer data retention questions faster
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