A company has recently defined classification levels for its data. During which phase of the cloud data life cycle should this definition occur?

The correct phase for defining classification levels for data is during the creation phase. This is the point in the cloud data life cycle when new data is generated or received, and establishing classification at this stage is crucial for ensuring appropriate handling and security measures are applied from the outset. By determining how data should be classified based on its sensitivity, value, and compliance requirements during creation, the organization can implement the necessary controls and processes to protect the data effectively throughout its lifecycle.

Classifying data at the creation phase promotes better governance and aids in compliance with regulations, as it guides how data will be managed all the way through to its eventual use, sharing, and archival processes. It serves as the foundation for all subsequent actions taken with the data throughout its lifecycle, ensuring that proper protocols are followed based on its classification while it is being used, shared, and archived.