ISO/IEC TS 38505-3:2021

Information technology — Governance of data — Part 3: Guidelines for data classification

This document provides essential guidance for members of governing bodies of organizations and management on the use of data classification as a means to support the organization’s overall data governance policy and associated systems. It sets out important factors to be considered in developing and deploying a data classification system.

Technologies de l'information — Gouvernance des technologies de l'information — Partie 3: titre manque

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 19-Dec-2021
• ICS: 35.020 - Information technology (IT) in general
• Technical Committee: ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 40 - IT service management and IT governance
• Drafting Committee: ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 40/WG 1 - Governance of InformationTechnology
• Current Stage: 9020 - International Standard under periodical review
• Start Date: 15-Oct-2024
• Completion Date: 15-Oct-2024

Standards Content (Sample)

TECHNICAL ISO/IEC TS
SPECIFICATION 38505-3
First edition
2021-12
Information technology — Governance
of data —
Part 3:
Guidelines for data classification
Technologies de l'information — Gouvernance des technologies de
l'information —
Reference number
© ISO/IEC 2021
© ISO/IEC 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
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Published in Switzerland
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© ISO/IEC 2021 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Foundations . 4
4.1 Context . 4
4.1.1 The data deluge . 4
4.1.2 The strategic value of data . 4
4.1.3 The risks associated with data . 4
4.1.4 Consequences of failure . 4
4.2 Data classification. 5
4.3 Purpose of classification: . 5
4.4 Engage and empower staff . . 6
4.5 Structure of this document . 6
5 Roles and responsibilities . 6
5.1 General . 6
5.2 Role of governing body . 8
5.2.1 General . 8
5.2.2 Understanding the role of data . 8
5.2.3 Governance of data . 8
5.2.4 Data classification approach . 8
5.2.5 Data classification and risk management . 8
5.2.6 Direct according to policy . 9
5.2.7 Monitor conformance and performance . 9
5.3 Role of management . . 9
5.3.1 General . 9
5.3.2 Setting the scope of data classification . 9
5.3.3 Propagating and implementing policy . 9
5.3.4 Defining roles and responsibilities . 10
5.3.5 Mobilizing the organization in support of the policy. 10
5.3.6 Operation . 11
5.3.7 Feedback from management to the governing body . 11
5.3.8 Levels, discovery and attribution . 11
5.4 Changing classifications. 11
5.5 Defining the requirements: key considerations .12
6 Data classification framework .12
6.1 Context . 12
6.2 Identification . 13
6.3 Implementation . .13
6.4 Monitor/Improve . 14
7 Guiding principles .14
7.1 Simplicity . 14
7.2 Default classifications . 14
7.3 Interoperability. 14
7.4 Equivalence. 14
7.5 Use of data classification for processor and controller . 15
7.6 Auditing, controls and compliance . 15
7.7 Customer data . 15
7.8 Assessment and reporting . 16
7.9 Learning, maintaining and improving . 16
7.10 Data protection . 16
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© ISO/IEC 2021 – All rights reserved

Bibliography .17
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© ISO/IEC 2021 – All rights reserved

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical
Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are
members of ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical
committees established by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical
activity. ISO and IEC technical committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the
work.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance
are described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria
needed for the different types of document should be noted. This document was drafted in
accordance with the editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives or
www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject
of patent rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights. Details of any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the
Introduction and/or on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents) or the IEC
list of patent declarations received (see https://patents.iec.ch).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html. In the IEC, see www.iec.ch/understanding-standards.
This document was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology,
Subcommittee SC 40, IT Service Management and IT Governance.
A list of all parts in the ISO/IEC 38505 series can be found on the ISO and IEC websites.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards
body. A complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html and
www.iec.ch/national-committees.
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© ISO/IEC 2021 – All rights reserved

Introduction
This document complements the existing International Standards on IT governance (ISO/IEC 38500)
and data governance (ISO/IEC 38505-1). It is designed to provide practical guidance for organizations
including governing bodies and management to allow them to:
— maintain an oversight of their data portfolio,
— understand the business context, value, sensitivity and risk associated with the data, and
— apply mechanisms that are both proportionate and appropriate, ensuring that data is protected,
and is only used for intended purposes consistent with the organization’s obligations.
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© ISO/IEC 2021 – All rights reserved

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ISO/IEC TS 38505-3:2021(E)
Information technology — Governance of data —
Part 3:
Guidelines for data classification
1 Scope
This document provides essential guidance for members of governing bodie
...