What does data classification involve?

Data classification involves categorizing data based on its sensitivity and importance, which is crucial for effective data management and security protocols. By classifying data, organizations can implement appropriate access controls, ensure compliance with regulations, and apply the right level of security measures based on the classified categories. For instance, sensitive information like personal identification or financial data may require stricter access controls and stronger encryption measures compared to less sensitive information.

The process also aids in prioritizing data handling procedures and incident response, as higher sensitivity levels typically necessitate more stringent protection techniques. This overarching framework ensures that sensitive data is adequately protected while enabling efficient use of less critical data.

While organizing data by file type, storing data in encrypted formats, or automatically deleting outdated data are necessary data management practices, they don't encompass the broader strategy of classifying data based on its sensitivity and importance, which is vital for overall data governance and security.