Data classification is based on the value to the organization and the sensitivity of the information determined by the data owner

Sensitive Data

• Information that, if accessed by unauthorized persons, can result in the loss of security or competitive advantage for a company
• Over classifying data leads to protecting all data at a high level

The importance of Data Classification

Data Classification:

• Helps allocate appropriate protection resources
• Prevents over-classification to avoid excessive costs
• Requires proper policies to identify and classify data accurately

Commercial Business Classification Levels

• Public
• Sensitive
• Private
• Confidential
• Critical

Government Classification Levels

• Unclassified
• Sensitive but Unclassified
• Confidential
• Secret