A server administrator is configuring a new server that will host a database containing a mixture of public-facing marketing material and highly sensitive, individually privileged information, including attorney-client communications and proprietary research data. According to the company's security policy, all data must be protected according to its type. Which of the following actions is the MOST critical foundational step for the administrator to take to ensure the appropriate mitigation strategies are applied?
Classify the data based on its sensitivity and required handling.
Create a daily backup schedule for the server to a secure off-site location.
Encrypt all volumes on the server where the data will be stored.
Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) for all user accounts.
The correct answer is to classify the data. Data classification is the foundational process of categorizing data based on its sensitivity, criticality, and value to the organization. This process is essential because it determines the level of security controls required for protection. Without first classifying the data, it is impossible to correctly apply other mitigation strategies like access controls or encryption, as the appropriate level of protection would be unknown. Implementing Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is a vital step, but the roles and permissions are defined based on the data's classification. Encrypting the data is also a critical security control, but the decision on the strength of encryption and key management procedures is dictated by the data's sensitivity, which is identified during classification. Backing up data is crucial for availability and disaster recovery, but it does not address the primary security requirement of protecting the confidentiality and integrity of privileged information based on its type.