An Effective Data Classification Strategy Enhances Data Security

October 24, 2024

In today's hyper-connected digital era, data is an organization's most valuable asset. However, keeping tabs on the rapidly increasing volume, velocity and variety of business data is becoming difficult. How do organizations ensure that this treasured asset remains protected? The answer lies not just in the myriad of security tools and platforms, but more fundamentally, in understanding and classifying the very data we're trying to protect. This brings us to an often overlooked yet pivotal facet of data security: data classification.

What Is Data Classification and Why Do You Need It?

Data classification is the process of organizing and categorizing data into distinct types or classes based on its content, source and importance to the organization. Why is this critical? Just as you wouldn’t place every item in your home under the same lock and key, not all data warrants the same level of security.

An effective data classification strategy enables your team to assign business value to data. It allows your cybersecurity team to protect sensitive and high-value data assets behind strict security measures. Data classification also optimizes resources by removing non-sensitive data from expensive and often unnecessary security layers.

Varonis: The Leading Data Classification Solution

Platforms and expertise matter when it comes to implementing effective data classification. Varonis, with its state-of-the-art data security platform, offers a comprehensive solution for data discovery, classification and monitoring.

But tools, products and platforms are only as effective as their implementation. This is where Optiv leverages years of cybersecurity expertise to tailor Varonis' capabilities and ensure a data-centric security strategy built for your unique business needs.

Next, I will explore how we achieve this in the following stages.

Four Stages of Effective Data Classification

1. Data Identification and Discovery
   Before you can classify, you must discover. With the sprawling digital infrastructures and the cloud revolution, data exists across several environments. Platforms like Varonis excel here, delving deep into both structured and unstructured data sources to automatically identify and map data assets. Optiv, understanding the intricacies of diverse business structures, aids in guiding this discovery phase. Optiv experts will help identify your business data, regardless of location.

2. Data Categorization
   Once identified, your data is categorized based on various parameters such as:

   • Sensitivity (public, confidential, strictly confidential, etc.)
   • Regulatory applicability (GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, etc.)
   • Business function (HR, finance, operations, etc.)
   • Intellectual property (or something similar)

   This step determines the access levels and security protocols associated with each data category.

3. Data Labeling and Handling
   After categorization, data assets are labeled to ensure that anyone accessing the data is immediately aware of its classification. Labeling can be manual, automated or a combination of both. Platforms like Varonis ensure this labeling is both accurate and consistent, playing a vital role for DLP strategies.
     
   With labeling comes the establishment of handling protocols. These dictate how each data category is accessed, stored, transmitted and eventually retired. Optiv, with its holistic understanding of the data lifecycle, ensures that these protocols are not only robust, but also aligned with industry best practices.
4. Data Monitoring and Auditing
   The digital landscape is dynamic. Data that is classified as public today might become confidential tomorrow. Continuous monitoring ensures that data classification remains up to date. With its robust analytical capabilities, Varonis offers real-time monitoring—sending alerts for any discrepancies or unauthorized access attempts.
     
   But monitoring is not enough. Regular checkups, facilitated by certified Optiv consultants can ensure that classification protocols are adhered to and remain effective in the face of evolving cyber threats.
     
   For more information about data-centric cybersecurity, please read my blog post, “All Roads Lead to Data.”

The Varonis Advantage

While many platforms offer data classification, Varonis stands a cut above the rest. Here is why:

• Automated Data Classification: Varonis employs machine learning and rule-based algorithms to classify data—reducing human error and ensuring consistent classification across large datasets.
• Granular Visibility: From who accessed the data to when and how, Varonis offers detailed visibility into data interactions—facilitating effective monitoring and breach detection.
• Integration Capabilities: Varonis seamlessly integrates with other data security platforms, ensuring that data classification is a unified part of a broader security strategy.
• Autonomous Remediation: Once data discovery and classification are complete, Varonis makes all the difference by including remediation at the data level itself. This reduces an organization’s blast radius and tightens security controls to least privilege.

Making Data Classification Matter

While Varonis offers a complete data security platform, Optiv ensures that the platform is implemented to its fullest potential. From understanding the unique challenges and requirements of an organization to devising tailored strategies that leverage Varonis' capabilities, Optiv is a guiding force in the realm of data classification.

Optiv's emphasis on a holistic, data-centric security approach means that data classification is integrated into broader cybersecurity strategies and processes, ensuring that classified data is effectively protected across its lifecycle.

Data Classification in an Evolving Digital World

As cybersecurity threats evolve and organizations continue their digital transformations, the importance of data classification will only grow. But with platforms like Varonis and the expertise of Optiv, organizations are equipped to face these challenges head-on.

While the vast digital universe brings complexities it also brings solutions. Proper data classification stands as a beacon — guiding organizations towards not just effective, but also efficient data security. Remember, in the world of data, knowledge isn't just power, it is protection. Optiv and Varonis are here to guide you on this journey. Let us help you turn your data from an enigma into an asset. Because, in the end, data is what organizations have the most of and should know the most about.

Looking to elevate your data security posture? Get in touch with Optiv today and discover how, with Varonis, we can redefine your data security landscape.