Who is responsible for the storage and safeguarding of computerized data?

The responsibility for the storage and safeguarding of computerized data primarily falls to data custodians. Data custodians are individuals or teams tasked with the management of data on behalf of the data owners. They ensure that data is stored securely and in compliance with relevant laws and organizational policies. This role includes implementing security controls, managing data access, and monitoring usage to protect data integrity and confidentiality.

While the IT department plays a crucial role in facilitating technology and infrastructure needed for data storage, data custodians have specific responsibilities that align closely with data protection. Top management personnel are responsible for overall data governance and policy-making but do not engage in day-to-day data management. End users interact with the data but are not primarily responsible for its safeguarding. Thus, the role of data custodians is critical for ensuring that data is properly managed and protected within an organization.