What process involves classifying items based on shared qualities or characteristics?

The process that involves classifying items based on shared qualities or characteristics is known as classification. This process is fundamental in various fields, including information security, where data classification helps organizations manage and protect sensitive information. By categorizing data based on its sensitivity or type, organizations can apply appropriate security controls, ensuring compliance with regulations and protecting against unauthorized access.

Classification typically groups data into different levels or categories, such as public, internal, confidential, or highly sensitive, allowing entities to prioritize their risk management and access controls effectively. This foundational understanding of classification assists organizations in recognizing the importance of how data should be handled and protected.

In the context of data security, while data tagging might seem similar, it's more about labeling data for easier identification rather than the broader process of arranging items into classifications. Data encryption is a technique used to secure data, converting it into a coded format that only authorized users can access, but it does not involve classification per se. Lastly, classification-based data blocking refers to an applied approach where specific classifications lead to certain restrictions or protections applied to data. However, the term doesn't capture the essence of the act of grouping items based on characteristics, which is the core of what classification does.