Data Types and Classifications - CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 - 3.3

Understanding Data Management and Sensitivity

Importance of Data in Organizations

• Data is a crucial asset for organizations, but its management varies based on ownership and usage.

• Regulated data, such as credit card information, must comply with standards like the Payment Card Industry Standards.

Types of Sensitive Data

• Trade secrets are unique to each organization and require robust security measures to protect them from competitors.

• Intellectual property is often protected through copyrights and trademarks, highlighting the need for different protection strategies.

Legal Considerations

• Legal records can be public but may contain sensitive personal information that needs safeguarding.

• Financial details are classified as sensitive; both organizational and personal financial data should remain confidential.

Readability of Data

• Some data types are easily understandable (e.g., documents), while others (e.g., encoded data or barcodes) may not be human-readable.

• Combining human-readable elements with non-human-readable formats helps bridge understanding for both humans and machines.

Classifying Data Sensitivity

• Different sensitivity levels exist; for instance, license tag numbers are more accessible than medical history.

• Access permissions can be tailored based on sensitivity levels, creating restricted areas within networks for highly sensitive data.

Proprietary and Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

• Proprietary data is unique to an organization and not typically found outside it.

• PII includes any information that could identify an individual, such as names or biometric details.

Protected Health Information (PHI)

• PHI encompasses health-related details specific to individuals, including healthcare records and payment information.

Classification Systems for Data Access

• Broad categories help create classifications: sensitive data may include intellectual property or PII/PHI.