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 9 (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.

The classification type is Manual by default. Plan your manual hierarchy from least sensitive to most sensitive.

Classification type

Choose the classification type from DATA GOVERNANCE > Data Classification:

• Manual lets you add and edit classifications.
• Purview lets you sync published Microsoft Purview sensitivity labels.

After you select Purview, you cannot change the classification type back to Manual. Purview classifications can only be synchronised.

Manual Data Classifications

With Manual selected, you can add classifications, configure their visual labels, and edit them later. You must create at least one classification before assigning classifications to a data type or 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 identify the classification visually.

   
4. At this point, click Save to create the classification. You can then add data types to it. To customise files where those data types are detected, configure the header, footer, and watermark.

   1. 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.
   2. 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.
   3. 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.
5. Click Save to create the classification. If you want to clear all entered values and restore default settings, click Reset.

Purview Data Classifications

Select Purview as the classification type after connecting Microsoft 365. You can then sync Microsoft Purview Information Protection classifications with GuardWare. You cannot add manual classifications in this mode.

After synchronisation, use Purview labels to classify files discovered during scans. To sync classifications:

1. Navigate to DATA GOVERNANCE > Data Classification.
2. Select Purview as the classification type.

   

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), description, and colour.

Sync Classifications with Purview

Sync with Purview after the initial integration setup, whenever new labels are created, whenever existing classification labels are modified or updated, and periodically on an ongoing basis to keep GuardWare's label definitions current.

1. Navigate to DATA GOVERNANCE > Data Classification.
2. Click Sync .
3. Wait for the process to complete.