What are Data Classifications?
Data classification is the concept of protecting data based on secrecy, sensitivity, or confidentiality. The reason for data classification is because it is not wise to treat all data equal. Certain data needs more security than others.
Data classification allows organizations to categorize the data in a way that items, objects, and subjects are in groups, categories, or collections based on similarities. Organizations first evaluate the data and then based on a certain criteria, it is set in its appropriate data classification.
Levels of government/military classifications:
- (HIGH) Top Secret
- Secret
- Confidential
- Sensitive but unclassified
- (LOW) Unclassified
Levels of Business/private sector classifications:
- (HIGH) Confidential or Private
- Sensitive
- (LOW) Public