Data Classification Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component (Solution, Services), By Classification, By Application, By Vertical, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Data Classification Market Size & Trends

The global data classification market was valued at USD 1.44 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 35.1% from 2024 to 2030. The exponential growth of data organizations generates has made managing and protecting information important. With businesses producing vast amounts of data from various sources, such as customer interactions, social media, and IoT devices, there is a pressing need to categorize and classify this information to ensure it is handled appropriately. Data classification helps organizations identify sensitive information, apply appropriate security measures, and comply with regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of data breaches and ensuring data integrity.

Stringent data privacy regulations worldwide are driving the need for robust data classification practices. Laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States, and other similar regulations globally require organizations to clearly understand the data they hold, including its sensitivity and how it is processed. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in significant fines and reputational damage. As a result, companies are investing in data classification tools and processes to ensure they meet legal obligations and protect consumer privacy.

Moreover, the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks has highlighted the importance of data security. Data classification enables organizations to prioritize protecting their most valuable and sensitive information, ensuring adequate security controls are in place to prevent unauthorized access. By categorizing data based on its sensitivity, businesses can implement targeted security measures, such as encryption and access controls, to safeguard critical information and minimize the impact of potential breaches.

Additionally, data classification supports improved data management and operational efficiency. Organizations can streamline their data handling processes by organizing data into meaningful categories, enhancing searchability, and improving decision-making. This structured approach to data management also facilitates more effective data governance, ensuring that data is accurate, consistent, and reliable. As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven insights to gain a competitive edge, efficiently managing and utilizing data becomes paramount.

Component Insights

The solutions segment held the largest market revenue share of 68.5% in 2023. Organizations increasingly recognize the importance of efficiently managing and securing their data amid rising cyber threats and stringent data protection regulations. Solutions that offer automated classification capabilities are essential because they enhance operational efficiency and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Moreover, the proliferation of big data and the growing adoption of cloud computing necessitate advanced data classification solutions to effectively manage large volumes of data.

The services segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 36.3% during the forecast period. The complexity and volume of data organizations handle are increasing exponentially, necessitating expert services to efficiently manage and classify this data. Services such as consulting, integration, and support are crucial for helping businesses implement and optimize data classification solutions tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, regulatory compliance requirements are becoming more stringent, driving companies to seek professional services to meet legal standards and avoid penalties.

Classification Insights

The user-based classification segment held the largest market revenue share in 2023. The increasing need for personalized data security measures drives the segment growth. As organizations handle vast amounts of sensitive information, ensuring that data is classified according to user roles and access levels becomes crucial. User-based classification supports better data management practices by aligning data accessibility with organizational hierarchies and responsibilities, leading to more efficient and secure operations.

The content-based classification segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The demand for content-based classification in the data classification market is increasing due to the growing volume and complexity of unstructured data across organizations. This method categorizes data based on its actual content, such as text, images, and metadata, making it highly effective for ensuring compliance, enhancing security, and improving data management. As businesses strive to comply with stringent data privacy regulations and protect sensitive information from breaches, content-based classification provides a more nuanced and accurate approach than traditional methods. Additionally, advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning have significantly enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of content-based classification.

Application Insights

The GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) segment held the largest market revenue share in 2023. The demand for GRC solutions is rising due to the growing necessity for regulatory adherence and data protection. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are increasingly implementing stringent data privacy laws and regulations, such as GDPR, CCPA, and others, requiring organizations to classify and manage their data meticulously to avoid hefty fines and reputational damage. Additionally, the surge in cyber threats and data breaches has heightened the need for robust data classification tools that ensure compliance with these regulations, safeguard sensitive information, and maintain organizational integrity.

Web, mobile & email protection segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats drive the segment growth. As businesses and individuals rely more on digital communication and mobile devices for daily operations, the attack surface for cybercriminals expands. Web-based applications, mobile apps, and email systems are primary channels for phishing attacks, malware distribution, and data breaches. Organizations prioritize robust data classification and protection solutions to safeguard sensitive information, comply with regulatory requirements, and mitigate the risks associated with data leakage and cyberattacks.

Vertical Insights

BFSI segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023. The BFSI sector handles vast amounts of sensitive and personal data, necessitating robust data management and protection measures. The increasing adoption of digital banking and financial services has led to an exponential growth in data volume, further driving the need for efficient data classification systems to manage, protect, and leverage this data effectively.

Telecom segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The industry's escalating need to manage and secure vast data efficiently drives the segment growth. With the advent of 5G technology, the proliferation of IoT devices, and the increasing volume of mobile data traffic, telecom companies face significant challenges in handling and protecting sensitive information. Data classification tools help these companies categorize and safeguard data, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory requirements and enhancing data governance.

Regional Insights

North America data classification market held the largest market revenue share of 32.8% in 2023. The surge in cyber threats and data breaches has heightened the need for robust data security strategies. Businesses increasingly recognize the importance of categorizing and managing their data to protect sensitive information and ensure compliance. Furthermore, the growing adoption of cloud services and big data analytics in the region necessitates efficient data classification to optimize storage, enhance data governance, and improve decision-making processes.

U.S. Data Classification Market Trends

The U.S. data classification market accounted for the largest market share regionally in 2023. The rise of remote work and the proliferation of cloud services have expanded the data landscape, making it imperative for companies to implement robust data classification to maintain compliance and protect against data loss.

Europe Data Classification Market Trends

Europe data classification market was identified as a lucrative region in 2023. The demand for data classification in Europe is rising due to stringent regulatory requirements such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which mandates strict data handling and privacy standards. Businesses in the region increasingly recognize the importance of data classification to ensure compliance with these regulations, safeguard sensitive information, and mitigate risks associated with data breaches. Additionally, the growing adoption of digital transformation initiatives across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and government, necessitates robust data management solutions. By implementing effective data classification strategies, organizations can improve operational efficiency, enhance data security, and maintain customer trust, driving the market demand in the region.

The UK data classification market is expected to grow rapidly. The growing volume of data generated by digital transformation initiatives requires efficient management and security to prevent data breaches and cyberattacks. Organizations in finance, healthcare, and government sectors are particularly focused on data classification to safeguard critical information and maintain trust with their clients and stakeholders.

Asia Pacific Data Classification Market Trends

Asia Pacific data classification market is anticipated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. The region is experiencing significant growth in digital innovation and enterprise digitization, leading to an explosion of data generation. Furthermore, there is a heightened awareness and concern about data privacy among consumers and businesses spurred by high-profile data breaches and cyber-attacks. The increasing use of AI and machine learning in business operations requires precise data categorization to enhance efficiency and decision-making, further driving the demand for robust data classification solutions in the Asia-Pacific market. 

China data classification market held a substantial market share in 2023. The country's rapid digital transformation and the proliferation of data across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, necessitate robust data management solutions. Furthermore, the rise in cyber threats and data breaches has heightened the need for enhanced data security measures, prompting businesses to implement advanced data classification systems to protect sensitive information and maintain customer trust.

Key Data Classification Company Insights

Some of the key companies in the data classification market include Amazon Web Services, Inc., Alphabet Inc., IBM, Microsoft, Varonis, and others. Vendors in the market are focusing on increasing customer base to gain a competitive edge in the industry. Therefore, key players are taking several strategic initiatives, such as mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships with other major companies. 

• Microsoft provides offers data classification solutions as a component of its extensive cloud and data governance services. This addresses the growing demand for data security and adherence to regulations in current data oriented society.

• IBM Corporation has a strong presence in the data classification market with a comprehensive portfolio of solutions tailored to meet diverse business needs.  Their product offerings include IBM Guardium, a data protection and compliance platform that provides real-time monitoring, classification, and encryption of sensitive data across hybrid environments.

Recent Developments

• In January 2024, Varonis announced the expansion of its Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) coverage to include Snowflake, a prominent cloud data platform. This expansion aims to enhance data security by providing comprehensive visibility and control over sensitive data stored within Snowflake.

Data Classification Market Report Scope

Global Data Classification Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the data classification market report based on component, classification, application, vertical, and region.

• Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Solution

  • Services

• Classification Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Content-Based Classification

  • Context-Based Classification

  • User-Based Classification

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • GRC

  • Access Control

  • Web, Mobile & Email Protection

  • Centralized Management

• Vertical Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • BFSI

  • Defense and Government 

  • Healthcare and Life Sciences

  • Telecom

  • Education

  • Media and Entertainment

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • UAE

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa