What is the method of analyzing data for specific attributes to determine the appropriate controls to apply?

The method referred to in the question involves examining data to identify its characteristics, which helps in determining the necessary security controls that need to be applied. This process is known as classification, which entails categorizing data based on its sensitivity and criticality. By classifying data, organizations can implement tailored controls that ensure appropriate security measures are in place to protect that data according to its risk profile.

For instance, highly sensitive data may require stronger encryption and stricter access controls, whereas less sensitive data might have more relaxed security measures. The classification process is essential for developing effective security policies and compliance measures, allowing organizations to prioritize their resources effectively based on the level of risk associated with different data types.

In contrast, while data discovery focuses on identifying and locating data within systems, it does not specifically analyze the attributes of data to apply controls. eDiscovery pertains to the legal process of collecting and reviewing electronic information relevant to legal cases, and categorization, while similar to classification, generally refers to grouping things in a less structured manner without specifically leading to control implementation decisions. Thus, classification is the most suitable answer in the context of imposing security controls based on data attributes.