Protected Data

CSU Data Classification (Descriptions and Examples) 

This page describes the three levels of data classification that the University has adopted regarding the level of security placed on the particular types of information assets.  The three levels described below are meant to be illustrative, and the list of examples of the types of data contained below is not exhaustive.  Please note that this classification standard is not intended to be used to determine eligibility of requests for information under the California Public Records Act or HEERA.  These requests should be analyzed by the appropriate legal counsel or administrator.

Level 1 – Confidential

Access, storage and transmissions of Level 1 Confidential information are subject to restrictions as described in CSU Asset Management Standards. Information may be classified as confidential based on criteria including but not limited to:

a) Disclosure exemptions - Information maintained by the University that is exempt from disclosure under the provisions of the California Public Records Act or other applicable state or federal laws.

b) Severe risk  - Information whose unauthorized use, access, disclosure, acquisition, modification, loss, or deletion could result in severe damage to the CSU, its students, employees, or customers. Financial loss, damage to the CSU’s reputation, and legal action could occur.

c) Limited use - Information intended solely for use within the CSU and limited to those with a “business need-to know.”

d) Legal Obligations - Information for which disclosure to persons outside of the University is governed by specific standards and controls designed to protect the information.

Examples of Level 1 – Confidential information include but are not limited to:

• Passwords or credentials that grant access to level 1 and level 2 data
• PINs (Personal Identification Numbers)
• Birth date combined with last four digits of SSN and name
• Credit card numbers with cardholder name
• Tax ID with name
• Driver’s license number, state identification card, and other forms of national or international identification (such as passports, visas, etc.) in combination with name
• Social Security number and name
• Health insurance information
• Medical records related to an individual
• Psychological Counseling records related to an individual
• Bank account or debit card information in combination with any required security code, access code, or password that would permit access to an individual's financial account
• Biometric information 
• Electronic or digitized signatures
• Private key (digital certificate)
• Law enforcement personnel records
• Criminal background check results

Level 2 – Internal

Access, storage and transmissions of Level 2 - Internal Use information are subject to restrictions as described in CSU Asset Management Standard.

Information may be classified as “internal use” based on criteria including but not limited to:

a) Sensitivity - Information which must be protected due to proprietary, ethical, contractual or privacy considerations.

b) Moderate risk - Information which may not be specifically protected by statute, regulations, or other legal obligations or mandates but for which unauthorized use, access, disclosure, acquisition, modification, loss, or deletion of could cause financial loss, damage to the CSU’s reputation, violate an individual’s privacy rights, or make legal action necessary.

Examples of Level 2 – Internal Use information include but are not limited to:

• Identity Validation Keys (name with)
  • Birth date (full: mm-dd-yy)
  • Birth date (partial: mm-dd only)
• Photo (taken for identification purposes)
• Student Information-Educational Records not defined as “directory” information, typically:
  • Grades
  • Courses taken
  • Schedule
  • Test Scores
  • Advising records
  • Educational services received
  • Disciplinary actions
  • Student photo
• Library circulation information.
• Trade secrets or intellectual property such as research activities
• Location of critical or protected assets
• Licensed software
• Vulnerability/security information related to a campus or system
• Campus attorney-client communications
• Employee Information
  • Employee net salary
  • Home address
  • Personal telephone numbers
  • Personal email address
  • Payment History
  • Employee evaluations
  • Pre-employment background investigations
  • Mother’s maiden name
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Parents’ and other family members’ names
  • Birthplace (City, State, Country) 
  • Gender
  • Marital Status
  • Physical description
  • Other

Level 3 – General

Information which may be designated by your campus as publically available and/or intended to be provided to the public. 

Information at this level requires no specific protective measures but may be subject to appropriate review or disclosure procedures at the discretion of the campus in order to mitigate potential risks.

Disclosure of this information does not expose the CSU to financial loss or jeopardize the security of the CSU’s information assets.