Palo Alto Networks (PANW) System Engineer (PSE) Practice Exam

Which term describes the practice of identifying and classifying sensitive information?

1. Data loss prevention

2. Data discovery

3. Data encryption

4. Data extraction

The correct answer is: Data discovery

The practice of identifying and classifying sensitive information is best described by the term "data discovery." This process involves scanning and analyzing various data sources to locate sensitive information, such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial records, and intellectual property. Data discovery is essential for organizations to understand where their sensitive data resides, ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing data security measures. This process not only helps in recognizing the type and location of sensitive information but also assists in determining how this data should be handled, protected, and classified based on sensitivity levels. Organizations often implement data discovery solutions to gain visibility into their data landscape, which is crucial for maintaining effective data governance strategies. In contrast, the other terms relate to different aspects of data management and security. Data loss prevention focuses on preventing unauthorized access or transmission of sensitive information. Data encryption refers to the process of encoding information to protect it during storage or transmission. Data extraction is the process of retrieving data from various sources for further processing or analysis. Each of these processes plays a role in data security but does not specifically address the identification and classification of sensitive information like data discovery does.