Short answer: Sensitive Data Discovery is about identifying and understanding the sensitive data you already have—typically scattered across systems, files, and emails. With the right tool, you gain visibility, can act quickly, and document your efforts. It’s not just a technical function, but a crucial step in complying with GDPR, reducing risk, and strengthening data protection in practice.
What is Sensitive Data Discovery?
Sensitive Data Discovery refers to the process of identifying and locating sensitive information within an organisation’s network. This information could include financial data, personal information, intellectual property, and confidential business information. The goal of Sensitive Data Discovery is to make it easier to protect sensitive information and create the basis for processing of sensitive data.
Did you know that rapid response to data breaches can minimise long-term damages and costs associated with customer churn and lost trust?
- www.ponemon.org
GDPR and Sensitive Data Discovery
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). It came into effect on May 25, 2018. Under the GDPR, companies are required to take appropriate measures to protect sensitive personal data. This includes, among other things, the implementation of technical and organisational measures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of sensitive personal data. It is important for businesses to understand their obligations under the GDPR. Failure to do so may result in fines and damage to the company’s reputation.
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How to find your sensitive data
There are generally two different methods of finding sensitive data:
- Manual data localisation
- Sensitive Data Discovery tool
Manual data localisation involves reviewing and scanning through the data stored within an organisation’s network to identify sensitive information. This method is time-consuming and prone to human error, but it can be useful for small organisations with limited data sets.
Sensitive Data Discovery tools automate the process of discovering sensitive data. These tools use advanced algorithms to scan and identify sensitive information within an organisation’s network. This method is more efficient and effective than manual data discovery and is suitable for large organisations with complex data sets. Sensitive Data Discovery services are provided by third-party companies that specialise in Sensitive Data Discovery. These companies offer a range of services, including data discovery audits, data discovery assessments, and data discovery software. Data discovery services are ideal for organisations that lack the expertise or resources to look for sensitive data themselves.
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What a tool can do for you
A Sensitive Data Discovery tool is designed to help organisations identify and classify sensitive data within their systems, including data stored on servers, cloud storage, and end-user devices. Some of the key benefits of using a tool for finding your sensitive data tool include:
- Data Classification: The tool helps to identify sensitive data and classify it based on the level of sensitivity and risk associated with it. This makes it easier to determine which data needs to be protected and how it should be protected.
- Compliance: The tool helps organisations to comply with various regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS, by identifying sensitive data that needs to be protected.
- Data Loss Prevention: The tool helps to prevent sensitive data from being accidentally leaked or intentionally stolen by detecting data that is being moved outside the organisation’s network, and taking appropriate action.
- Data Management: The tool provides a centralised view of sensitive data, making it easier for organisations to manage, monitor, and control access to sensitive information.
- Threat Detection: The tool can help organisations detect potential threats to sensitive data by monitoring for suspicious activity and alerting security teams when necessary.
Overall, a tool for discovering sensitive data can provide organisations with a comprehensive solution to manage sensitive data, ensuring that it is protected, and helping organisations to comply with regulations and prevent data breaches.
FAQ about Sensitive Data Discovery
1. How is Sensitive Data Discovery different from regular data scanning?
Sensitive Data Discovery specifically targets sensitive data—not just files or storage. It’s about locating data that poses a risk in terms of GDPR, compliance, and security.
2. Is Sensitive Data Discovery only relevant in case of data breaches or audits?
No. It’s equally important for everyday operations—like onboarding, data sharing, or policy development. It also makes you much better prepared in the event of an audit or data subject request.3
3. Is Sensitive Data Discovery hard to implement?
Not necessarily. Many tools, like DataMapper, only need to be set up once—and then run automatically or as needed. The results are easy to interpret and act on.
How to get started with Sensitive Data Discovery
At Safe Online we specialise in Sensitive Data Discovery. Our most popular tool for processing sensitive personal data is DataMapper. This tool is a service that first and foremost a build for locating sensitive data across a company’s local or cloud-based data storages.
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Sebastian Allerelli
Founder & COO at Safe Online
Sebastian is the co-founder and COO of Safe Online, where he focuses on automating processes and developing innovative solutions within data protection and compliance. With a background from Copenhagen Business Academy and experience within identity and access management, he has a keen understanding of GDPR and data security. As a writer on Safe Online's Knowledge Hub, Sebastian shares his expertise through practical advice and in-depth analysis that help companies navigate the complex GDPR landscape. His posts combine technical insight with business understanding and provide concrete solutions for effective compliance.
