An effective solution to accidental loss and information control
Classifying information based on its sensitivity may seem like a relatively minor part of IT security. Especially when compared to the proliferation of highly-complex network security solutions that focus on blocking internal and external threats.
With information loss resulting from the accidental actions of people making up one of the most common reasons for data loss, the simple process of security classification can provide huge leverage. Security classifications significantly reduce the risk of information loss without high costs, or complexity.
Security classification is an uncomplicated but highly effective method of minimising the loss or mishandling of sensitive information.
Our 'Security Classification 101' whitepaper describes the value, and simplicity of security classifications for business and IT leaders.
Gain Control Over Your Information
If you are responsible for managing IT, your role incorporates securing your organization's corporate information. To do this successfully, you need to know where sensitive information is located and who has access to it; ensure users are aware they are dealing with sensitive information and; control access to sensitive information efficiently and effectively.
Here’s how security classification can integrate with and enhance your information security policy:
- Identify. Identifying sensitive information may be achieved by running a discovery or identifying at source, in order to distinguish between public, personal and proprietary information.
- Classify. Once identified, information can be classified according to its sensitivity, which can be an automated process or based on human understanding. Assigning a security classification label is quick and easy, resulting in both visible and embedded classification.
- Control. It’s now easier than ever to control access to sensitive information, encrypt as required, and run efficient data loss prevention processes that leverage your security classification labels.
Empower Your People to Enhance Security
For Governance Risk and Compliance Managers, reducing the risk of information loss means first understanding where the majority of risk originates. The fact is, even the most well-intentioned employee will occasionally make a mistake and studies show stressed or tired people make ten times as many mistakes as they do when well rested.
A visible classification label on an email or document instantly alerts the user to the sensitivity of the information they are dealing with, immediately reducing the chance of inadvertent loss or mishandling. And when inevitable mistakes do occur? Classified information is far easier to control.
By providing users with simple-to-use tools that allow them to classify sensitive information, you empower people across the organization to proactively improve information security.
Security classification may seem like a simple technique, but its value to any business is proven and substantial. Robust security classification and protection practices help organisations reduce the risks of data loss and mismanagement, improve electronic records management and meet compliance requirements.
Our Security Classifications 101 whitepaper de-mystifies the world of security classifications for IT and business leaders. In this whitepaper, we explain the value of security classifications, outline the most commonly used classification standards and answer some frequently asked questions based on live customer implementations.
