Data Classification

Data Classification Process

graph TD
    A([Define the purpose of data classification]) --> B([Define the scope of the data environment]);
    B --> C([Discover all in-scope data]);
    C --> D([Define sensitivity levels and classify the data]);
    D --> E([Develop data handling guidelines to deliver the appropriate level of security for each category of data])
    style A fill:#4051b5,color:#fff
    style B fill:#4051b5,color:#fff
    style C fill:#4051b5,color:#fff
    style D fill:#4051b5,color:#fff
    style E fill:#4051b5,color:#fff

Classification Examples

DoD ClassificationsOther Classifications

Category	Unclassified	Controlled Unclassified Information	Confidential	Secret	Top Secret
Color	Green	Purple	Blue	Red	Yellow
Definition	Any data that is approved for public eye and access falls under this category.	Government created or owned UNCLASSIFIED information that must be safeguarded from unauthorized disclosure	Information in which the unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause damage to the national security.	Information in which the unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage to the national security.	Information in which the unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security.
Examples of Data	Press releases, announcements, news, etc.	Internal web pages, user guides, manuals, policies & procedures, inter-office memorandas, internal phone directories, etc.	Foreign government informatants, personnel authentication information, isolated personnel reports	Military plans, weapons systems, operations, foreign government information	Intelligence activities, cryptology, foreign relations, scientific, technological or economic matters relating to national security; programs for safeguarding nuclear materials or facilities, vulnerabilities or capabilities of systems, installations, infrastructures, projects or plans, or protection services, production, or use of weapons of mass destruction

Category	Public [C1]	Internal Only [C2]	Confidential [C3]	Restricted [C4]
Color	Green	Blue	Yellow	Red
Definition	Any data that is approved for public eye and access falls under this category.	Any non-sensitive enterprise data that is meant to be used within the organization.	This type of data is still sensitive and a specific team or employees of an organization are given access to it.	Data that is highly sensitive in nature falls under this category. This data could cause legal consequences, reputational or financial damage, and loss of credibility upon its exposure
Examples of Data	Vacany listings, brochures, press releases, marketing material, calendars, company news, newsletters, contracts, agreements, etc.	Internal web pages, user guides, manuals, company policies, inter-office memorandas, internal phone directories, etc.	Identity card number, address, bank information, biometric data, etc.	Social Security numbers, medical and criminal records, credit card numbers, CVV, financial information, health data, employee records, etc.
Severity of Mishandling	None	Unauthorized disclosure would not significantly impact the company, or any of its stakeholders or employees.	Unauthorized disclosure could result in significant adverse impact, embarrassment, or civil/criminal liability to the company, stakeholders, employees, or business partners.	Unauthorized disclosure likely to result in significant adverse impact, embarrassment, or civil/criminal liability to the company, stakeholders, employees, or business partners.
Controls Summary	No restrictions on access Copying of documents is unrestricted May be left unsecured at any time Disposal via normal paper waste	Access restricted to named individuals and groups Copying of documents is unrestricted May be left unsecured in trusted environments Shred paper waste	Access restricted to named individuals and groups Include appropriate notices regarding document or communication sensitivity Copying of documents is unrestricted Must be secured in locked cabinet or encrypted when not in use Shred or burn paper waste	No transmission via fax (insecure methods) Access restricted to named individuals and groups Include appropriate notices regarding document or communication sensitivity Copies can only be made by roles designated by senior management in applicable business unit or department All copies are numbered and recorded when required by the applicable regulation Must be secured in locked cabinet or encrypted when not in use Shred or burn paper waste

CUI Categories

Classification Process Example

graph TB
    A[Is the data intended for public disclosure?] --> |Yes| B>Public]
    A --> |No| C[Does it contain personal data?]
    C --> |Yes| D[Does it contain sensitive data, suspicion of illegal activities, criminal and administrative offences?]
    C --> |No| E[Does the disclosure of data cause negative impact to the company?]
    D --> |Yes| F>Restricted]
    D --> |No| G[Does the dislosure of data cause negative impact to company reputation?]
    E --> |Yes| H[Does the disclosure of data cause significant dame to company?]
    E --> |No| I>Internal Only]
    G --> |Yes| J>Confidential]
    G --> |No| I
    H --> |Yes| F
    H --> |No| J

    style A fill:#4051b5,color:#fff
    style B fill:green,color:#fff
    style C fill:#4051b5,color:#fff
    style D fill:#4051b5,color:#fff
    style E fill:#4051b5,color:#fff
    style F fill:red,color:#fff
    style G fill:#4051b5,color:#fff
    style H fill:#4051b5,color:#fff
    style I fill:blue,color:#fff
    style J fill:yellow,color:#000

Creating Header & Footer Labels in Word

Create the content of the header and footer you want.
Select everything in the header.
Click the Header button in the Header & Footer Tools ribbon, look at the bottom of the gallery, and click "Add selection to Header gallery".
Enter a name (and possibly other items) in the dialog that appears.
Select everything in the footer.
Click the Footer button and click "Add selection to Footer gallery".
Complete the dialog that appears.
When exiting Word, answer yes to the prompt about saving the Building Blocks.dotx template.

PowerPoint Labels

Click Here to download the PowerPoint.