Security Consultation for Security Programs
- Data classification / DLP Implementation.
- Overall Security Architecture Review & Assessment (Both On-premises & Cloud)
- Risk Assessment & Risk Management
Data classification / DLP Implementation:
Data classification is the process of categorizing data based on its sensitivity, value, and criticality to the organization. This classification enables organizations to apply appropriate security controls, ensure compliance with regulations, and manage data effectively throughout its lifecycle.
Assign ownership of data to individuals or departments within the organization. Data owners are responsible for determining the sensitivity and value of the data they manage.
Establish a classification scheme that defines different levels of sensitivity or confidentiality for data. Common classification levels include:
- Public: Data that is intended for unrestricted access and does not contain sensitive information.
- Internal Use Only: Data that is restricted to employees and authorized personnel within the organization.
- Confidential: Data that is sensitive and requires protection from unauthorized access or disclosure.
- Restricted: Highly sensitive data that is subject to strict access controls and additional security measures.
Identify and catalog all data assets within the organization, including databases, files, documents, and other data repositories.
Apply appropriate classification labels to each data asset based on its sensitivity and value. This labeling may be manual or automated, depending on the organization's capabilities and tools.
Develop and communicate procedures for handling, storing, transmitting, and disposing of data based on its classification. This ensures that employees understand their responsibilities for protecting sensitive information and complying with data protection policies.
Implement monitoring and auditing mechanisms to track access to sensitive data and detect any unauthorized or suspicious activities. Regularly review access logs and audit trails to ensure compliance with security policies and regulations.
Regularly review and update the classification of data assets as their sensitivity or value changes over time. This may be triggered by changes in business requirements, regulatory requirements, or the data itself.
Conduct training and awareness programs to educate employees about the importance of data classification, their roles and responsibilities in protecting sensitive information, and the procedures for handling classified data securely.
Deliverables:
A formal policy document that defines the objectives, scope, roles and responsibilities, and procedures for data classification within the organization. This policy serves as a foundation for the data classification program and outlines the criteria for classifying data, classification levels, and the handling of classified information.
A structured framework or taxonomy that defines the classification levels and criteria for categorizing data based on its sensitivity, value, and criticality to the organization. This scheme provides consistency and clarity in how data is classified across the organization.
An inventory or catalog of all data assets within the organization, including databases, files, documents, and other repositories. This inventory serves as a baseline for the data classification process and helps identify where sensitive information is stored. Based on this DLP can be configured and identify the sensitive document in electronic format.
Policies and procedures for controlling access to classified data based on its classification level. This includes defining access controls, permissions, and authentication mechanisms to restrict access to authorized users and protect sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure or misuse.
Guidelines and procedures for handling, storing, transmitting, and disposing of classified data securely. This includes specifying encryption requirements, physical security measures, and protocols for data transfer and sharing.
Training programs, educational materials, and awareness campaigns to educate employees about the importance of data classification, their roles and responsibilities in protecting classified information, and the procedures for handling classified data securely.