Data Classification

Data Classifications allow you to group data types under labels that represent different levels of sensitivity. This helps you quickly identify which files contain the most critical information and need immediate attention.

GuardWare assigns a sensitivity level to each classification based on the order in which you create them. The first classification you create becomes Level 0 (least sensitive), the second becomes Level 1, the third becomes Level 2, and so on, up to Level 15 (most sensitive).

When GuardWare scans a file and detects multiple data types, it automatically assigns the file to the classification with the highest sensitivity level among all detected data types.

For example, if a document contains both "Employee Email Addresses" (classified as Internal, Level 1) and "Credit Card Numbers" (classified as Confidential, Level 3), GuardWare assigns the file to the Confidential classification because Level 3 is higher than Level 1.

Before creating manual classifications, plan your hierarchy from least sensitive to most sensitive.

Add Data Classification

When you first log in to GuardWare Management Console, no data classifications exist. You must create at least one classification before you can assign classifications to a data type or begin creating custom data types.

1. Navigate to DATA GOVERNANCE > Data Classification and click +Add Classification.
2. Enter a Classification Name and a short Description.
3. In Select Color, choose a colour to visually identify the classification.
4. Configure Header:

   1. Enable the Header toggle to add a header to classified documents.
   2. In Header Text, enter the text to display in the document header.
   3. From Alignment, select the header position.
5. Configure Footer:

   1. Enable the Footer toggle to add a footer to classified documents.
   2. In Footer Text, enter the text to display in the document footer.
   3. From Alignment, select the footer position.
6. Configure Watermark:

   1. Enable the Watermark toggle to add a watermark to classified documents.
   2. In Watermark Text, enter the watermark text.
   3. From Alignment, select the watermark orientation or placement.
7. Click Save to create the classification. If you want to clear all entered values and restore default settings, click Reset.

   

Sync Microsoft Data Classification

When Microsoft 365 is connected, you can sync Microsoft Purview Information Protection classifications with GuardWare and apply your organisation’s sensitivity labels. After configuration, you can use Purview labels to classify files discovered during scans. When sensitive data is detected, use the Remediate action to apply Purview sensitivity labels to the entire file.

To Sync Classifications:

1. Navigate to DATA GOVERNANCE > Data Classification.
2. Click the Sync button.

   

GuardWare retrieves all published sensitivity labels from Microsoft Purview Information Protection.

Once complete, the synchronised labels appear in the classification list showing label name, sensitivity hierarchy (if applicable), and description.

When to synchronise:

• After the initial Purview integration setup
• When new labels are created in Purview
• When existing labels are modified in Purview
• When label policies are updated in Purview
• Periodically, to ensure GuardWare has the latest label definitions