> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.guardware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.guardware.com/documentation/management-console/data-governance/data-owner.md). # Data Owner A Data Owner is an individual responsible for specific types of sensitive data within your organisation. When GuardWare detects data assigned to a particular owner during a scan, they automatically receive an email alert. Data ownership ensures accountability by designating who is responsible for monitoring and protecting specific types of sensitive information and enables immediate notification so the right people are alerted when their data is found in unexpected locations. {% hint style="success" icon="sparkles" %} The Data Owner is not necessarily the same as the file owner or device owner. For example, the HR Director might be the Data Owner for "Employee Social Security Numbers," even though various HR staff members might own the files containing this data on different devices. {% endhint %} ## Create a Data Owner 1. Navigate to **DATA GOVERNANCE** > **Data Owner** and click **+Add Data Owner**.

2. In **Assign Data Types**, click **+Assign Data Types** and select the data types the owner will be responsible for. You can assign multiple data types to a single data owner.

3. In **Email**, enter the data owner's email address. GuardWare sends alerts to this email address when sensitive data is detected. Ensure the email address is valid and actively monitored. 4. In **Name**, enter the data owner's full name as it should appear in reports and notifications. 5. In **Description**(optional), enter additional details about the owner's role or responsibilities. For example: "HR Director - responsible for all employee personal information and payroll data." 6. In **Contact** (optional), enter the owner's contact number. 7. After entering the basic information, click **+Assign Data Types**. 8. From the list of available data types, select the data types the owner will be responsible for. You can assign multiple data types to a single data owner. 9. Click **Save** to apply the changes. The data owner is now active and will receive email notifications whenever their assigned data types are detected during scans.

{% hint style="info" %} If the datatype you are looking for is not in the list, [**create a custom data type**](#add-data-type) and assign it to the related owner. {% endhint %} ## Edit a Data Owner 1. Navigate to **DATA GOVERNANCE** > **Data Owner**. Locate the data owner you want to modify and click the edit () icon under the **ACTIONS** column.

2. Update the necessary information and click **Save**. ## Assign Data Types If you did not assign data types while creating a data owner, you can do it now. 1. Navigate to **DATA GOVERNANCE** > **Data Owner**. Locate the data owner and click the **Assign Data Type** icon () in the **ACTIONS** column.

2. From the list of available data types, select the data types the owner will be responsible for. You can assign multiple data types to a single data owner. 3. Click **Save**. ## Reassign Data Types to a New Owner Use the Reassign Data Types option to transfer responsibility for specific data types from one data owner to another. You cannot delete a data owner if the owner has a data type assigned. 1. Navigate to **DATA GOVERNANCE** > **Data Owner**. 2. Locate the data owner whose data types you want to reassign and click the **Reassign Data Types** ( ) icon.

3. Select a new owner from the dropdown, select the data types you want to assign to a new owner and click **Save**.

The selected data types are immediately transferred to the new owner, and all future alerts for those data types will be sent to the new owner. ## Delete a Data Owner 1. Navigate to **DATA GOVERNANCE** > **Data Owner**. Locate the data owner you want to remove and click the delete icon ().

2. Click **Delete** in the confirmation alert. {% hint style="warning" %} Before deleting a data owner, ensure all data types linked to the owner are either unassigned or reassigned to a new owner. \ You cannot delete a data owner if the owner has a data type assigned. {% endhint %} --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.guardware.com/documentation/management-console/data-governance/data-owner.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.