Data Classification & Handling Framework

Standardized classification tiers, access controls, storage protocols, and compliance requirements for all Aevum Zenth subsidiaries, divisions, and third-party partners.

Effective: Q1 2026 Version: 4.2.1 Owner: Chief Information Security Office (CISO) Scope: Global Operations

1 Classification Tiers

All data assets generated, processed, or stored by Aevum Zenth entities must be assigned one of four classification levels. Classification determines handling procedures, encryption requirements, and access authorization.

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Level Description Access Scope Encryption & Storage
PUBLIC Information approved for unrestricted public release. Includes marketing materials, press releases, and publicly filed financial statements. Any individual or entity No encryption required. Standard CDN/public repository storage.
INTERNAL Operational data intended for internal use only. Includes internal memos, non-sensitive HR records, process documentation, and internal metrics. Aevum Zenth employees & authorized contractors AES-256 at rest. MFA required for repository access. Internal VPN/Zero Trust network.
CONFIDENTIAL Sensitive business, technical, or personal data. Disclosures could cause financial loss, regulatory penalties, or reputational harm. Includes PII, IP, trade secrets, and unannounced R&D. Role-based access (Need-to-Know). CISO or DPO approval required. AES-256 at rest & in transit. Hardware security modules (HSM) for keys. Isolated secure zones.
RESTRICTED Critical national security, executive board, or crown-jewel assets. Unauthorized access could cause existential threat to operations or violate international law. Executive leadership, CISO, designated custodians only Post-quantum encryption standards. Air-gapped or sovereign cloud isolation. Biometric + hardware token auth.

2 Handling & Storage Guidelines

Data handling procedures must align with the assigned classification tier. Deviations require written authorization from the divisional Data Protection Officer.

📁 Storage & Backups

  • Classify at creation/ingestion using automated DLP tags
  • Separate storage zones per classification tier
  • 3-2-1 backup rule with encrypted offsite replication
  • Automated retention policies enforced via IAM lifecycle rules

🔗 Transmission & Sharing

  • Public/Internal: Standard HTTPS/TLS 1.3 channels
  • Confidential: End-to-end encrypted channels only
  • Restricted: Secure vault transfer with audit logging
  • No use of unapproved third-party file sharing services

🗑️ Disposal & Sanitization

  • Digital: Cryptographic shredding + zero-fill overwrite
  • Physical: NAID AAA certified destruction vendors
  • Certificate of Destruction required for Confidential+
  • Quarterly audits of disposal logs by Compliance

3 Cross-Divisional Compliance

Aevum Zenth's 400 subsidiaries operate across highly regulated sectors (healthcare, finance, aerospace, defense, agriculture). Data classification must align with both this corporate framework and applicable local/international regulations including GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, ITAR, and ISO 27001.

🌍 Regulatory Mapping Protocol

Divisional Data Stewards are responsible for mapping local compliance requirements to the four-tier classification model. Automated policy engines in Zenth Digital Systems continuously validate data handling against regulatory change feeds. Non-compliant data flows are automatically quarantined pending DPO review.

⚠️

Violation Protocol: Mishandling of Confidential or Restricted data must be reported to the Security Operations Center (SOC) within 15 minutes of detection. Failure to report may result in disciplinary action and legal liability per the Aevum Zenth Acceptable Use Policy.

4 Reporting, Auditing & Contact

Data classification audits occur quarterly across all divisions. Automated DLP scanning runs continuously. Employees and partners may request classification reviews, access appeals, or submit security incidents through the channels below.

Data Protection Officer (DPO)

Classification reviews, GDPR/CCPA requests, policy exceptions

Submit Request

Security Operations Center (SOC)

Incident reporting, data leakage alerts, emergency containment

Access SOC Portal

Divisional Data Steward

Local classification mapping, workflow integration, training

Find Your Steward