There are a number of definitions to Data Classification provided by Wikipedia which are: Data classification (data management) Data classification (business intelligence) Classification (machine learning) , classification of data using machine learning algorithms Assigning a level of sensitivity to classified information If you take a look at these you will see that there is relevance to all of it but at Boldon James we want to draw your attention to the fourth point ‘Assigning a level of sensitivity to classified information’ and more specifically: ‘Some corporations and non-government organizations also assign sensitive information to multiple levels of protection, either from a desire to protect trade secrets, or because of laws and regulations governing various matters such as personal privacy, sealed legal proceedings and the timing of financial information releases