Data discovery involves using automated tools and techniques to scan an organisation's entire IT landscape—databases, file shares, cloud storage, email systems and applications—to find where personal and sensitive data resides. This process creates a comprehensive data map that reveals hidden or forgotten data stores, shadow IT repositories and legacy systems that may still hold regulated information.
Effective data discovery is a foundational step for GDPR compliance, as organisations cannot protect data they do not know exists. By maintaining an up-to-date picture of data locations, organisations can respond faster to data subject access requests, conduct more accurate data protection impact assessments and reduce the risk of unreported data breaches.