Data Classification¶

Overview¶

Data Classification is the process of categorizing enterprise data based on sensitivity, criticality, and regulatory requirements.
A consistent classification framework enables appropriate handling, security, retention, and sharing of data across Nissan North America (NNA).

This section provides the classification model, handling rules, and implementation guidance for all data assets.

Purpose¶

The objectives of data classification are:

Identify sensitive and critical data requiring special protection.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, industry standards).
Enable risk-based decision-making for data handling, sharing, and retention.
Provide guidance for access control, storage, and lifecycle management.

Classification Levels¶

Level	Description	Examples	Handling Guidelines
Public	Data intended for public disclosure.	Marketing brochures, product specs, press releases	No special restrictions; can be shared externally.
Internal	Data for internal use only.	Internal policies, operational procedures, non-sensitive reports	Access limited to NNA employees; do not share externally.
Confidential	Data with potential business impact if disclosed.	Customer lists, pricing, internal forecasts, vendor contracts	Restricted access; encryption recommended; external sharing requires approval.
Sensitive / Restricted	Highly sensitive data with legal, financial, or reputational risk.	PII/PHI, financial statements, strategic plans	Strict access controls; encrypted storage; monitoring and auditing; sharing requires executive approval.

Note: Classification levels can be adapted for specific domains or regulatory requirements.

Classification Criteria¶

Data should be classified based on multiple dimensions:

Sensitivity: Potential harm from unauthorized access or disclosure.
Regulatory / Legal Requirements: Obligations under laws, contracts, or industry standards.
Criticality: Importance to business operations and decision-making.
Confidentiality Impact: Consequences of accidental exposure.
Retention Requirements: Lifecycle and archival rules associated with the classification level.

Data Handling Guidelines¶

Classification Level	Access Control	Storage	Transmission	Retention & Disposal
Public	Open	Standard storage	Any method	Standard retention policies
Internal	Employee-only	Internal systems	Internal email or systems	Standard retention policies
Confidential	Role-based access	Encrypted or secure storage	Secure channels only	Follow retention & disposal policies
Sensitive / Restricted	Strict, need-to-know	Encrypted, monitored storage	Encrypted and logged	Follow retention & secure disposal policies

Classification Process¶

Identify Data Assets: Catalog all datasets, files, and systems.
Assess Risk & Sensitivity: Evaluate data against classification criteria.
Assign Classification Level: Determine Public, Internal, Confidential, or Sensitive/Restricted.
Apply Controls: Implement access, storage, transmission, and retention controls.
Review & Update: Periodically reassess classification based on business changes, audits, or regulatory updates.

Implementation Considerations¶

Roles & Responsibilities:
Data Owners: Assign classification and approve changes.
Data Stewards: Monitor compliance and enforce handling rules.
IT / Security Teams: Implement technical controls based on classification.
Automation: Use tools for tagging, monitoring, and access enforcement.
Training: Educate employees on classification rules and handling requirements.
Integration: Align classification with other governance processes (data quality, retention, security).

Visual Representation¶

flowchart TB
    A[All Data Assets] --> B{Classification Level?}
    B --> C[Public]
    B --> D[Internal]
    B --> E[Confidential]
    B --> F[Sensitive / Restricted]
    C --> G[Standard Access & Storage]
    D --> H[Internal Access & Security]
    E --> I[Restricted Access & Encryption]
    F --> J[Strict Access, Encryption, Monitoring]