Definition
Data classification is the process of organizing and categorizing data based on its sensitivity, value, and regulatory requirements. This involves assigning labels such as public, internal, confidential, or restricted to data assets. In practice, classification informs security controls, access policies, and data handling procedures. Understanding data classification is crucial for protecting sensitive information, ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA, and preventing costly data breaches. For instance, customer personal identifiable information (PII) would be classified as confidential, requiring stricter access controls than publicly available marketing materials. It is distinct from data tagging, which is a broader metadata application. This concept is fundamental to cybersecurity domains and appears on certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CISSP.