Gartner Research

Information Classification: An Essential Security Thing You're (Still) Not Doing

Published: 14 September 2012

ID: G00234077

Analyst(s): Trent Henry

Summary

With the growing volume of electronic information created and maintained by business, it gets harder and harder for organizations to locate, catalog, secure and manage information. Information classification technologies and techniques aim to address information management problems by allowing organizations to categorize and prioritize content. This assessment examines approaches for successful security classification.

Table Of Contents

Summary of Findings

Analysis

  • Information Classification
  • Security Classification Techniques
  • Security Classification Tools
    • Criteria for Choosing a Classification Tool
  • The Role of the User
  • Strengths
  • Weaknesses
  • Be Realistic and Target Specific Areas
  • Ensure That Classification Is Integral to Project Efforts
  • Tie Classification to Other Business Efficiency Projects
  • Use Native Repository Functionality for Structured Data
  • Avoid Exclusive Reliance on Retrospective Tools for Security and Compliance
  • Selectively Supplement Security and Compliance With Information Classification

The Details

  • A Little History
  • Interaction With Business
    • Business Decisions About Information Classification

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