Data Discovery
What is Data Discovery?
The process of identifying and locating sensitive data across an organization's systems, databases, file shares, and cloud services.
Frameworks that govern data discovery
What the standards actually require on data discovery
Requirements naming data discovery across 2 standards, quoted from the control text.
PCI DSS 4.02 controls
The entity must confirm its data-discovery methods by: testing their effectiveness; making sure they can find cleartext PAN on every type of system component and every file format in use; and confirming that effectiveness at least every 12 months.
pci-dss-4-0::A3.2.5.1 · A3.2.5.1 Annual confirmation of data-discovery effectiveness →Define requirements, perform data discovery and lineage documentation, profile the data and collect business rules before designing integration.
dama-dmbok2-data-management-body-of-knowledge-2nd-edition::DII.2.1 · DII.2.1 Plan and analyze →Questions people ask about data discovery
What is Data Discovery?
The process of identifying and locating sensitive data across an organization's systems, databases, file shares, and cloud services.
Why is Data Discovery important for compliance?
Data Discovery is a key concept in Information Security. Understanding data discovery helps organizations meet regulatory requirements, reduce risk, and demonstrate due diligence during audits. Our compliance platform maps 1,016 frameworks with 316K cross-framework control mappings.
Which compliance frameworks address Data Discovery?
Data Discovery appears in the requirement text of PCI DSS 4.0, DAMA-DMBOK2 - Data Management Body of Knowledge (2nd Edition). Across these standards we have identified 3 controls that name it directly, each linked to the control text on the compliance platform.
Where can I learn more about Data Discovery?
Explore our compliance framework pages to see how data discovery applies across different standards and regulations. Our implementation guides provide step-by-step guidance, and the compliance platform offers AI-powered analysis of how this concept maps across 1,016 frameworks.
See how Data Discovery applies across compliance frameworks
Our platform maps 1,016 frameworks with 316K cross-framework control mappings. Explore how this concept is addressed across standards.
Written and maintained by Gerard Blokdyk, The Art of Service.