Unstructured data refers to any data that does not have a predefined data model or organisation, making it difficult to analyse or process with traditional methods. This type of data includes text files, images, videos, social media posts, emails, and more. Unstructured data is often generated by humans, and its content may vary greatly in terms of language, grammar, and vocabulary.
The challenges of unstructured data
One of the biggest challenges with unstructured data is the sheer volume of information it contains. Without effective organisation and processing, it can be difficult to extract useful insights or patterns from this data. Additionally, unstructured data may lack the consistency and accuracy of structured data.
Another challenge is the variety of formats that unstructured data can take. Each type of unstructured data requires its own specialised tools and techniques for analysis, and integrating these tools can be complex and time-consuming.
Unstructured data is one of the biggest challenges for organisations when it comes to compliance with regulations such as GDPR or the Data Protection Act.
Where can unstructured data be stored?
Unstructured data can be stored in a range of places, but the most common include:
Network drives / file shares:
- Network drives are used by many organisations historically as common areas which can be used across teams to store information.
- The inherent issue with these areas is that little or no controls are placed upon them, making them a dumping ground for information, increasing risk.
The Cloud
- The ‘new network drives’ being implemented are those in the cloud, such as Office 365 (SharePoint & Teams) or Google Drive.
- These cloud-based solutions enable organisations to reduce on-premise network storage costs by moving their information to the cloud, which also improves collaborative working.
Personal drives / OneDrive:
- Personal drives are given to employees when they join an organisation and are liable to also become dumping grounds for information at all stages of completion.
- Information stored here will contain a mixture of business information as well as personal information to the employee.
Email (including Outlook, Exchange, and Gmail)
- Email is an integral part of how we communicate in our personal lives as well as in our jobs.
- Everything from important business decisions to informal conversations can be stored within email, making them vital for the organisation to protect and control.
What is Dufrain’s ControlTower?
As you can see by the variety of document stores above and the different information which can be held, it is extremely difficult to interpret unstructured data in a structured manner. This is where ControlTower can help your organisation.
ControlTower can connect into the sources above (and more!) to break down and provide clarity across your unstructured data estate. With inbuilt modules for compliance, classification and data migration, ControlTower has all the tools available to help remediate any potential issues or risks.
Combining ControlTower with Dufrain’s Data Policy Toolkit enables you to not only apply the scanning and remediation actions to the data, but also ensures you have the correct policies in place to stop any issues from arising again through compliance with regulations.
Further information
Dufrain have conducted a series of on-demand webinars highlighting the value and importance which comes from analysing unstructured data. Find out more about how to turn your unstructured data into cost savings and advantage with part one of our Pigsty to Piggybank.
Read our blog on unstructured data migration to see how ControlTower can get your information safely into the cloud.
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Gain control over your data
Contact Dufrain today or call us on 0800 130 3656 to schedule a demonstration or find out more about ControlTower
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