In the context of data classification for security purposes, the organization should classify this data as "Critical" or "Highly Sensitive". This classification reflects the potential severe impact on the organization’s ability to operate if the data were to be compromised.
When classifying data, organizations typically use a tiered classification system. Depending on the specific framework in use (for example, proprietary systems or models like the Intel Common Data Classification Framework), the classifications may differ, but they generally follow a similar pattern:
- Public: Information that can be freely shared without any security implications.
- Internal: Data intended for internal use that doesn’t pose a significant risk if exposed.
- Confidential: Sensitive information that requires protection and access is restricted to specific individuals or groups.
- Critical/Highly Sensitive: Data that, if compromised, would lead to severe operational, financial, or reputational damage. This might include trade secrets, personal identifiable information (PII), financial data, or other sensitive business information.
Once the data is classified as Critical or Highly Sensitive, the organization should take measures such as:
- Implementing strong access controls.
- Applying encryption both at rest and in transit.
- Regularly auditing and monitoring access and usage of the data.
- Establishing incident response protocols specifically designed to address potential breaches of this data.
This classification ensures that appropriate protections are prioritized and maintained to safeguard the organization's critical operations.