Protection Levels for UC Institutional Information
Under the IS-3 Electronic Information Security policy, university data is classified in one of four categories, known as Protection Levels. For the complete classification guide on Protection Levels, including explanations of the classifications and additional examples, see the Classification of Information and IT Resources Guide. ITS has also created a data resource classification page for quick reference.
Protection Level |
Impact of Disclosure | Examples |
P4 - High |
Institutional Information and related IT Resources whose unauthorized disclosure or modification could result in significant fines, penalties, regulatory action, or civil or criminal violations (Statutory). |
|
P3 - Moderate |
Institutional Information and related IT Resources whose unauthorized disclosure or modification could result in small to moderate fines, penalties or civil actions (Proprietary). |
|
P2 - Low |
Institutional Information and related IT Resources that may not be specifically protected by statute, regulations or other contractual obligations or mandates, but are generally not intended for public use or access (Internal). |
|
P1 - Minimal |
Public information or information intended to be readily obtainable by the public, but whose integrity is important and for which unauthorized modification is the primary protection concern (Public). |
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P4 requires the most security controls and P1 requires a minimal set of controls. It is important to classify the information accurately so that appropriate compliance requirements can be identified. Under-classification may result in inadequate protections that could lead to data breaches. Classifications should be applied in compliance requirements as outlined in UC or campus policy, law, regulation or contract.
Contact the ITS Support Center if you need assistance with IT security or IT policy.