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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.

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 →

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 →
C5 (Germany)2 controls

Maintain and issue encryption and key management policies that mandate state-of-the-art algorithms and network protocols, tie encryption strength to the information classification scheme, cover the full key lifecycle, and reflect applicable legal obligations.

C5-CRY-01 · Policy for the use of encryption procedures and key management →
HKMA SPM1 control

Gives the general principles for managing technology risk: IT governance (control policies, oversight and organisation of IT, a technology risk management function, technology audits, staff competence, IT support from overseas offices);

hkma-spm::TM-G-1 · TM-G-1 General Principles for Technology Risk Management →

NSS-17 + NSS-42-G require vulnerability + patch management + removable media + portable device controls. Vulnerability management: vendor security advisories + CVE feeds + ICS-CERT + national CERT subscriptions;

IAEA-NSS17-Vulnerability-Patch-RemovableMedia-Portable · IAEA NSS-17 - Vulnerability Management + Patch + Removable Media + Portable Device Control →

Procedures for labelling information are to be developed and put into effect in line with the classification scheme the organization has adopted.

iso-27001-2022::5.13 · Labelling of information →

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 1,016 frameworks with 316K cross-framework control mappings.
Which compliance frameworks address Information Classification?
Information Classification appears in the requirement text of ISO 27701:2019, Oman National Cybersecurity Framework, C5 (Germany), HKMA SPM, IAEA Nuclear Security Series - Computer Security at Nuclear Facilities (NSS-17-T Rev 1). Across these standards we have identified 7 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 1,016 frameworks.

See how Information Classification 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.