How to Mitigate Data Risks During Cloud Migration

Moving to the cloud is no small feat, and if you're not careful, data issues can spiral out of control—leading to disruptions, broken pipelines, and a loss of trust in your data. But cloud migration doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right approach, you can mitigate risks, maintain data integrity, and ensure a smooth transition. Here’s how.

Before Migration: Know What You’re Moving

You wouldn’t pack for a trip without knowing what you need, right? The same logic applies to cloud migration. Start by:

• Inventorying and Prioritizing Data – Use a data catalog to map out all assets and focus efforts on the most business-critical datasets.
• Assessing Downstream Impact – Data lineage helps you understand dependencies and avoid breaking reports, dashboards, and AI models that rely on your data.

During Migration: Validate Every Step

This is where things can go wrong if you’re not paying attention. Stay ahead by:

• Ensuring Proper Backups – Verify that all data is backed up before making any major moves.
• Monitoring Consistency – Set up automated monitors to compare the new environment against the old one and catch discrepancies early.

After Migration: Maintain Data Integrity

Once your data is in the cloud, the work isn’t over. You need to:

• Classify and Document Everything – AI-assisted documentation tools help categorize and make sense of new data flows.
• Establish Clear Ownership – Assign responsibilities so that there’s always someone accountable for each data asset.
• Implement Continuous Monitoring – Keep an eye on data pipelines to catch issues before they impact business operations.
• Analyze New Data Flows – Use lineage tracking to understand how data is moving and ensure it aligns with business needs.

The Bottom Line

Cloud migration is a game-changer, but only if done right. Without a structured approach to data observability, you risk costly disruptions and a loss of trust in your data. Be proactive—invest in the right tools, establish clear ownership, and continuously monitor data health. When data moves with confidence, your business moves faster.

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