Which method is used to identify specific kinds of data within datasets?

The method used to identify specific kinds of data within datasets is content-based discovery. This approach involves analyzing the actual content of the data itself, which allows for the classification and identification of sensitive information such as personally identifiable information (PII), payment card information (PCI), or other critical data types regardless of how they are labeled or structured. By examining the contents, organizations can accurately understand what types of data exist, enabling better data governance and compliance efforts.

Content-based discovery is particularly crucial in environments with vast amounts of unstructured data, where traditional approaches might not adequately identify relevant information. By focusing on the data itself, organizations ensure that they can enforce security measures and data handling policies in a targeted and effective manner. This capability is vital in maintaining the integrity of sensitive data and ensuring regulatory compliance.