Public, Sensitive, Confidential, Restricted, Private, Critical

Data classification is a process used to categorize data based on its level of sensitivity and the impact that would result from its disclosure. This helps organizations manage and protect their data appropriately. Here are the common types of data classifications and their descriptions:

1. Public:

• Description: Information that is intended for public consumption. It can be freely accessed, used, and shared without restrictions.

• Examples: Press releases, marketing materials, publicly available financial reports.

2. Sensitive:

• Description: Data that is not meant for public access and could cause harm or discomfort if disclosed. This category often includes information that is protected under privacy laws or company policies.

• Examples: Email addresses, internal documents, some types of business communications.

3. Confidential:

• Description: Data that is meant to be kept private within the organization and disclosed only to those who need to know. Unauthorized access could harm the organization or individuals.

• Examples: Trade secrets, employee records, client information.

4. Restricted:

• Description: Data that is highly sensitive and access is strictly controlled. Unauthorized disclosure could have serious implications, such as legal penalties or significant financial loss.

• Examples: Intellectual property, legal documents, security protocols.

5. Private:

• Description: Information that relates to individuals and is protected under privacy laws. It includes personal data that must be protected from unauthorized access.

• Examples: Social Security numbers, medical records, personal financial information.

6. Critical:

• Description: Data that is essential to the operations and functionality of the organization. Any loss, corruption, or unauthorized access could severely impact the organization’s ability to function.

• Examples: Financial transaction data, operational plans, business continuity plans.

Summary:

• Public: Freely accessible information intended for general public use.

• Sensitive: Non-public information that could cause harm or discomfort if disclosed.

• Confidential: Private data intended to be kept within the organization and shared on a need-to-know basis.

• Restricted: Highly sensitive information with strict access controls.

• Private: Personal data protected under privacy laws.

• Critical: Essential data whose loss or compromise would significantly impact the organization.

Each organization may have its own specific definitions and categories for data classification, but the above classifications are widely recognized and used in many industries.

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• Data Classification

  • 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

  • Importance of 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

      • No impact if released; often publicly accessible data

• Sensitive

  • Minimal impact if released, e.g., financial data

    • Private

• Contains internal personnel or salary information

  • Confidential

    • Holds trade secrets, intellectual property, source code, etc.

    • Critical

      • Extremely valuable and restricted information

  • Government Classification Levels

    • Unclassified

      • Generally releasable to the public

    • Sensitive but Unclassified

      • Includes medical records, personnel files, etc.

    • Confidential

      • Contains information that could affect the government

    • Secret

      • Holds data like military deployment plans, defensive postures

    • Top Secret

      • Highest level, includes highly sensitive national security information

  • Legal Requirements

    • Depending on the organization's type, there may be legal obligations to maintain specific data for defined periods

  • Documentation

    • Organizational policies should clearly outline data classification, retention, and disposal requirements

  • Note: Understanding data classifications and their proper handling is vital for protecting sensitive information and complying with relevant regulations