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Central repository storing raw/semistructured data for analytics; requires governance and controls.

Definition

A data lake stores raw and semi-structured data (logs, events, files) for flexible analytics. Without governance, it becomes a “data swamp” with unclear ownership, retention, and access.

In plain English Central repository storing raw/semistructured data for analytics; requires governance and controls.

Why this matters

Why it matters: Large raw collections increase breach impact and enable broad profiling if controls are weak.

Example

Example: Apply classification, least-privilege access, encryption, retention limits, and monitoring on lake buckets and pipelines.