Strategic Information Management through Data Classification: Reducing Corporate Risk and Cost by Gaining Control of Business Information Assets

Study provides insights into the substantial security and business benefits of data classification.

Despite significant investments in technology, most businesses still lack the core processes and tools to manage large amounts of digital data.

Business information is growing by an estimated 60% per year, while data storage cost and demand are also rising. Where and how confidential files are stored, however, increased the risk of data breaches by almost 50% in just one year, and exposed the personal records of 36 million people to potential theft.

Up to 85% of business data consists of unstructured e-mails, text documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, which are used, shared, and stored in very pervasive ways in support of operational business demands. Because unstructured data can be easily duplicated, stored, and distributed in many ways, it’s an ongoing business challenge to effectively control and protect valued information assets—and also manage expired or useless data that no longer hold any business value but present high business risk.

“Strategic Information Management through Data Classification: Reducing Corporate Risk and Cost by Gaining Control of Business Information Assets,” a study authored by Booz Allen Hamilton, presents a comprehensive approach to information management programs. It outlines how data growth directly affects the risk posture of critical corporate information assets. In addition, it defines common problems caused by gaps in information management programs as well as consequences associated with immature methodologies.

In “Strategic Information Management through Data Classification,” readers will find a strategic approach to building and executing a data classification program that applies a holistic approach to information management, and details of business and privacy benefits that can be realized with such a program.

Storage capacities are growing exponentially, exacerbating the number and severity of security issues; companies risk losing information assets on a daily basis. Booz Allen’s recommendation for a strategic approach to information management through data classification is a consideration that should not be delayed.

study posted January 19, 2010