Data classification methods are techniques used to organize and categorize data into various distinct classes or groups. These methods are essential for numerous applications, such as data analysis and machine learning, as well as data security, data management, and regulatory compliance.What Is Data Classification?Data classification is the process of organizing and categorizing data into...

A new year often brings a wave of updated cybersecurity compliance requirements. In 2026, regulators are raising the bar. “Check-the-box” compliance that may once have been sufficient to pass audits is no longer enough. Today’s mandates increasingly demand evidence: proof that controls are operating as designed, faster incident reporting, and broader disclosure obligations across vendors, systems,...

Today’s Patch Tuesday Alert addresses Microsoft’s January 2026 Security Updates. The FIRE team is actively working on coverage for these vulnerabilities and expect to ship that coverage as soon as it is completed.

Human error now plays a role in 95 percent of data breaches, making it more critical than ever for security teams to treat it as the substantial threat it is. In some cases, employees intentionally expose sensitive data for personal gain. But the most pervasive insider threats aren’t malicious — they’re accidental. This challenges the notion that an organization can become invulnerable if only it...

An organization must define how it classifies its data set so it can take the necessary measures to protect them effectively. Since all data isn’t created equal, data classification enhances this by highlighting the sensitivity levels.What Is a Data Classification Schema?A data classification schema is a framework or structure that organizes and categorizes data into different classes or...

Learn about what a cyber threat hunter does in Data Protection 101, our series on the fundamentals of information security.

Automated data classification uses technology and algorithms to categorize and sort data automatically based on predefined criteria. The technology scans various data sets and accurately labels them according to their sensitivity and importance.This is a significant improvement over manual classification, as it is more efficient, less time-consuming,...

Data classification levels have various use cases in businesses and governmental institutions. They define how data should be handled based on sensitivity and importance, allowing for more effective and secure data management.What Are Data Classification Levels?Data classification levels are categories used to organize data based on its sensitivity, confidentiality, and potential impact should it...

AI adoption is broad but maturity and security controls are lagging. This means that many organizations are using AI without having established governance boundaries or hardened production-scale controls. Treat AI systems as first-class assets in the risk register; apply the same governance, access controls, monitoring, auditability, and incident readiness as other critical systems. Here's how.