Every business has data lurking in the shadows—data that’s unstructured, unused, and often unnoticed. This is dark data. Think of it as the digital equivalent of forgotten files, like an old document saved but never revisited or an image stored without a second thought.
But here’s the kicker: Only 12% of a business's data is typically business-critical. The remaining 80% or more? That’s dark data—unclassified, unprotected, and ungoverned.
Dark data builds up because we create and store without assessing the long-term value of the information. Without clear strategies for data classification and management, businesses risk letting their cloud infrastructure become a digital dumping ground.
Leaving dark data unmanaged doesn’t just clutter your systems—it can have real business consequences:
Despite the risks, dark data isn’t just a problem—it’s an untapped resource. By uncovering and managing it effectively, businesses can unlock its potential to gain a significant edge:
To realise the potential of dark data, it must be classified, protected, and governed. This ensures your business understands the value of its data and can unleash its full potential in an organised, efficient way.
At Intercity, we specialise in helping businesses do just that. Through our Microsoft-funded workshops, we’ll show you how to:
Transform dark data from a hidden risk into a powerful asset. Visit our workshop page today to learn more about how Centrality can help you discover, protect, and govern your data for a more secure and productive future.