The process involves categorising your organisation's information based on its sensitivity.
Data Classification Levels
Classifying your data helps determine the most appropriate security measures for each type.
For example:
Highly Confidential: This classification applies to information with severe consequences if leaked, such as financial data, trade secrets, or personal details.
Confidential: This includes sensitive information that could still cause harm if exposed, like marketing strategies or internal reports.
Internal: This covers company information intended for internal use only, such as meeting minutes or departmental updates.
Public: This refers to information that can be publicly shared, like press releases or product information.
Security Measures Based on Classification
Once you've classified your data, you can choose the appropriate security measures.
Here's a guideline:
Highly Confidential: This level might require a combination of strong email encryption (like MPME or third-party solutions) and other solutions (for example, access restrictions within your organisation or tools that restrict copying or forwarding).
Confidential: For this level, S/MIME or MPME encryption might be sufficient, alongside access controls within your organisation.
Internal: You might choose to encrypt internal emails for additional security, but password protection or access controls might be enough depending on the information's sensitivity.
Public: Public information typically doesn't require encryption.
Classifying your data helps to make sure your most valuable information receives the strongest protection.
It means you can prioritise your security efforts and avoid applying excessive security measures to less sensitive data.
Finding the Right Balance
Email encryption is a great tool for protecting sensitive information, but not all Outlook's encryption methods are created equal.
You should carefully evaluate your requirements and choose the method that's right for you or your customers' data.
"Strong email security is not just a necessity—it's a critical component of building trust through your communications."
Sabrina McClune is a Women in Tech Excellence 2022 finalist who writes extensively on cybersecurity, digital transformation, data protection, and digital identity. With a postgraduate degree in Digital Marketing (Distinction) and a First-Class Honours degree in English, she combines a strong academic foundation with professional expertise. At Beyond Encryption, Sabrina develops research-led content that supports financial and technology sectors navigating the complexities of the digital age.