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Data Backup, Storage, and Destruction Obligations for Businesses Under Data Protection Laws (KVKK)
🇹🇷 TR- 20.07.2026
- IT Solutions
Data Backup, Storage, and Destruction Obligations for Businesses Under Data Protection Laws (KVKK)
The Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698 (KVKK) is not just a regulation that concerns legal departments or lawyers. A large part of the obligations it brings is directly related to IT (Information Technology) and system infrastructure. As a data controller, your business is legally required to take both technical and administrative measures when processing personal data.
Here are the critical IT processes that businesses must pay attention to within the scope of KVKK:
1. Data Storage Processes and Policies
KVKK and related legislation (such as the Turkish Commercial Code, Tax Procedure Law) prohibit storing data for longer than necessary for the purpose for which they were processed.
- What to Do? Your business must create a "Data Retention and Destruction Policy" that determines how long each data will be stored. Data whose retention period has expired must be automatically archived or destroyed.
2. Secure Backup and Encryption
If personal data is intercepted by unauthorized persons, the data controller will face legal sanctions.
- What to Do? Data must be encrypted during backup processes. Access to backups must be restricted, and access logs must be monitored regularly. By applying the 3-2-1 backup rule, data should be stored in both local and secure cloud environments.
3. Data Destruction Processes
Personal data whose retention period has expired must be destroyed in accordance with the procedure. Destruction is carried out by deleting, destroying, or anonymizing methods.
- What to Do? Data in paper format must be destroyed with special shredding machines, and data in electronic format must be securely destroyed so that it cannot be accessed again (e.g., magnetic wiping of disks or physical destruction). Taking service from authorized expert organizations for destruction processes or documenting these processes with detailed logs is of vital importance.
4. Technical and Administrative Security Measures
The KVKK Board clearly specifies the minimum technical measures that data controllers must take.
- What to Do?
- Firewalls must be used at network gateways, and penetration tests must be conducted.
- All system entry-exit records (Logs) must be stored securely for at least 1 year.
- Personnel must be informed with KVKK awareness training, and authorizations must be limited according to the "least privilege" principle.
Conclusion: A KVKK-Compliant IT Infrastructure is a Must
KVKK compliance is not a one-time document preparation, but a continuous process integrated into the IT infrastructure. In the event of a possible data breach or audit, technical measures not taken can turn into serious administrative fines for your business.
Does your business's IT infrastructure meet the technical obligations of KVKK? As Kodsis Bilişim, we fully set up your KVKK-compliant IT infrastructure with secure server architectures, encrypted backup solutions, log management, and access control systems.
Contact us for a KVKK-Compliant IT Infrastructure Analysis and Consulting Service.