Concepts → Data Classification

The Data Classification feature in Incorta's Data Catalog enables organizations to categorize data based on sensitivity levels, helping to manage risk, ensure compliance, and control data visibility. Classification allows organizations to assess the value of data, identify risks of data alteration, establish appropriate controls, and meet industry-specific regulatory requirements.

Benefits

• Enhanced Data Security: Apply appropriate controls based on data sensitivity
• Regulatory Compliance: Meet industry-specific requirements for data handling
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with data exposure
• Controlled Visibility: Limit access to sensitive data to authorized users only
• Data Governance: Establish clear policies for different types of data

Classification Levels

Incorta provides a standard classification framework that can be customized to meet organizational needs:

1. Classification 1 - Restricted:

   • Highly sensitive information requiring stringent protection measures
   • Critical to organization, individuals, or compliance
   • Can be configured for data masking
   • Access limited to specifically assigned groups

2. Classification 2 - Confidential:

   • Information requiring significant protection
   • Not as critically sensitive as Restricted data
   • Potential impact on organization operations if disclosed
   • Visible to all users by default

3. Classification 3 - Private:

   • Personal or sensitive information not intended for public disclosure
   • Protected to ensure privacy and security of individuals
   • Visible to all users by default

4. Classification 4 - Public:

   • Information intended for public disclosure
   • Can be freely shared without restriction
   • Visible to all users

5. Classification 5 - PII (Personally Identifiable Information):

   • Information that can identify specific individuals
   • Data visibility set to "None" by default

Configuring Classification Levels

Accessing the Classification Configuration

1. Navigate to the Data Catalog section in the top navigation bar
2. Click on the Configure Classification button in the top-right corner of the screen
3. The Classification configuration dialog will appear

Editing Classification Levels

1. In the Classification configuration dialog, hover over the classification level you want to modify
2. Click the edit (pencil) icon that appears
3. In the Edit Classification dialog, you can:
   • Modify the Name of the classification level
   • Update the Description to clarify the classification purpose
   • Toggle Mask Data option to enable/disable data masking for this level
   • Assign groups that will have permission to view unmasked data
4. Click Save to apply your changes

Applying Classifications to Data

Data classification in Incorta is applied through Business Terms in the Glossary. This approach allows for consistent classification across multiple data assets.

Creating a Business Term with Classification

1. From the Data Catalog home page, navigate to the Glossary Terms section
2. Click View All to see all glossary terms
3. Click the New button in the top-right corner
4. Select Business Term from the dropdown menu
5. In the Create Business Term dialog:
   • Enter a Name for the business term
   • Select a Parent Group if applicable (or leave as "None")
   • Set the Classification level from the dropdown menu
   • Navigate to the Data Assets tab to associate the term with specific data columns
   • Switch between Schemas and Business Schemas to locate relevant columns
   • Select the checkboxes for columns that should have this classification applied
6. Click Create to save the business term and apply the classification

Viewing Applied Classifications

Once classifications are applied through business terms, they become visible in the Data Catalog when viewing tables and columns. Users will see the classification level associated with specific data elements, and data masking will be applied based on classification settings.