Data classification is the process of categorizing data based on its sensitivity and importance to determine its level of confidentiality and protection. Data classification helps organizations apply appropriate security and compliance measures to ensure each category receives proper protection1. Data classification also helps organizations identify which data is subject to specific privacy laws and regulations, such as the GDPR, HIPAA, or CCPA, and how to handle data subject requests, data breaches, or legal discovery2. If an organization maintains data classified as high sensitivity, such as personal information, financial information, or health information, in the same system as data classified as low sensitivity, such as public information or internal information, it increases the risk of exposing the high sensitivity data in the event of a data breach. A data breach can result in legal consequences, reputational damage, and loss of trust from customers and stakeholders. Therefore, it is advisable to segregate data based on its classification and apply different levels of encryption, access control, and monitoring to each category3. This way, the organization can minimize the impact of a data breach and protect the privacy and security of its data assets. References:
* Why Is Data Classification Important?
* Data Classification for GDPR Explained
* Data classification and privacy considerations