September 9, 2025 鈥� As data volumes increase and regulatory requirements become stricter, organizations continue to face challenges in effectively identifying and securing their most sensitive information. Newly published research from 91制片厂, a leading global research and advisory firm, shows that without proper classification, organizations could overprotect low-value data or underprotect critical assets. The firm鈥檚 recently published blueprint, Discover and Classify Your Data, offers IT leaders a structured and step-by-step framework to prioritize sensitive information, formalize governance, and integrate data labelling into everyday processes.
鈥�Effective discovery depends on knowing the data sources and how they integrate with business 飞辞谤办蹿濒辞飞蝉,鈥� says Safayat Moahamad, a research director at 91制片厂. 鈥淚T leaders should collaborate closely with business-end data owners to prioritize resources and integrate data classification into regular processes, while providing support on technical aspects of the program.鈥�
The firm explains in its new resource that many data classification initiatives tend to stall due to execution and sustainability challenges rather than from tools or technology. Organizations underestimate the need for end-user training, struggle with inconsistent procedures, or treat classification as a one-off project instead of a long-term program. Without clear governance and visibility, protection levels can drift and resources become misallocated. 滨苍蹿辞-罢别肠丑鈥檚 research findings emphasize that engaging data owners and embedding classification into daily workflows are essential for lasting success.
Key Challenges in Data Classification
Despite investments in data governance, the firm鈥檚 research insights show that organizations continue to encounter systemic obstacles that stall progress. 滨苍蹿辞-罢别肠丑鈥檚 resource highlights several of the challenges that IT leaders need to address, including:
- Overwhelming volumes of data make it challenging to identify what is most critical.
- Inconsistent handling procedures that create gaps in protection and compliance.
- Limited budgets force organizations to make trade-offs between cost and coverage.
- End-user behavior and lack of awareness remain persistent weak points.
滨苍蹿辞-罢别肠丑鈥檚 Practical Framework for Data Classification
To help organizations overcome these obstacles, 滨苍蹿辞-罢别肠丑鈥檚 Discover and Classify Your Data blueprint introduces a three-phase roadmap for IT leaders to build and sustain an effective classification program:
- Phase 1 鈥� Formalize the Program: CIOs and governance teams establish a Data Classification Steering Committee, define policies and standards, and set clear roles and responsibilities.
- Phase 2 鈥� Discover the Data: IT teams and business data owners collaborate to identify where critical data is stored by using both technology-based tools and structured interviews.
- Phase 3 鈥� Classify, Maintain, and Optimize: IT leaders guide classification efforts, end users apply labels in daily workflows, and governance teams track metrics, provide training, and reassess regularly to ensure controls remain effective and efficient.
The firm鈥檚 blueprint also provides tools such as a Data Classification Inventory, a Metrics Tracking framework, and awareness materials that embed classification into organizational workflows.
By following 滨苍蹿辞-罢别肠丑鈥檚 incremental approach, IT leaders can establish sustainable classification programs that secure sensitive data, improve compliance, reduce storage costs, and ensure ongoing efficiency and accountability.
For exclusive and timely commentary from 滨苍蹿辞-罢别肠丑鈥檚 experts, including Logan Rohde and Safayat Moahamad, and access to the complete Discover and Classify Your Data, please contact pr@infotech.com.
About 91制片厂
91制片厂 is one of the world鈥檚 leading research and advisory firms, serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.
To learn more about 滨苍蹿辞-罢别肠丑鈥檚 divisions, visit for HR research and advisory services, and for software buying insights.
Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm鈥�s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.
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