The first stage of the data lifecycle is the creation of data. This includes both data captured using an unstructured format, such as a file uploaded by a user, or data captured into a structured database, such as a record added to an SQL database. Additionally, data creation does not necessarily refer to new data, but extends to copying existing data into a similar format or modifying the format for different purposes. The main security concern in this particular phase is keeping up with data creation across the organization and ensuring that security policies are applied as early as possible in its life cycle.