Skip to content

Information Classification

What is Information Classification?

A governance process that categorizes information assets based on their sensitivity and criticality to determine appropriate protection measures.

Governance

Each of these is named in at least one of the same controls as information classification. The number is how many controls name both.

What the standards actually require on information classification

Requirements naming information classification across 6 standards, quoted from the control text.

Requirement defined in ISO 27017:2015, clause 8.2 (Information classification). See licensed source for normative text. Implementation focus is to demonstrate conformity with the obligations of this clause through the artefacts listed in evidence_requirements.

iso-27017-2015::8.2 · Information classification
ISO 270431 control

Information classification and labeling. Control from ISO 27043 framework, domain: ISO 27043: Asset Management.

ISO27043-08 · Information classification and labeling

The information classification scheme must explicitly account for personal data, including its type and any special categories, so the organization knows what it processes, where it is stored and which systems it flows through, and the people under its control...

iso-27701-2019::6.5.2 · Information classification

Apply community wide classification scheme such as Traffic Light Protocol for shared information.

27010-7.1 · Information Classification for Sharing
ISO/SAE 214341 control

Information classification and labeling. Control from ISO/SAE 21434 framework, domain: ISO/SAE 21434: Asset Management.

ISO21434-08 · Information classification and labeling

Operate asset management + information classification per Oman National Cybersecurity Framework. Maintain inventory of information systems + networks + endpoints + applications + data with documented owners + classification + criticality + protection requireme...

OMANCS-2 · Asset Management and Information Classification

Questions people ask about information classification

What is Information Classification?
A governance process that categorizes information assets based on their sensitivity and criticality to determine appropriate protection measures.
Why is Information Classification important for compliance?
Information Classification is a key concept in Governance. Understanding information classification helps organizations meet regulatory requirements, reduce risk, and demonstrate due diligence during audits. Our compliance platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings.
Which compliance frameworks address Information Classification?
Information Classification appears in the requirement text of ISO 27017:2015, ISO 27043, ISO 27701:2019, ISO/IEC 27010:2015, ISO/SAE 21434. Across these standards we have identified 6 controls that name it directly, each linked to the control text on the compliance platform.
Where can I learn more about Information Classification?
Explore our compliance framework pages to see how information classification 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 686 frameworks.

See how Information Classification applies across compliance frameworks

Our platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings. Explore how this concept is addressed across standards.

Written and maintained by Gerard Blokdyk, The Art of Service.