Learn how to get executive buy-in for your data classification initiatives. This article covers communicating cyber threat risks, highlighting the benefits of automated solutions, preparing strong business cases, and addressing potential objections.
Getting executive buy-in is crucial for any data classification initiative to succeed. But without support from leadership, it’s difficult to get the necessary resources needed to deploy an effective data classification program across the organisation.
Data classification is an essential element of any data security strategy as it helps protect a company’s most sensitive information. Like any program the effectiveness will be dependent on cross-organisational support. With cyber threats and data breaches on the rise, protecting sensitive data isn’t a nice to have, it’s a must.
To gain full support from your executive team, you'll need to highlight the risks of not having a data classification program, including potential loss of client trust and costly penalties that could reach millions of dollars.
In this article we'll outline compelling points that will help you build a strong case for why your company needs a data classification solution to boost security and compliance.
For a data classification initiative to succeed, executives must understand cyber security risks in business terms — specifically, the financial and reputational impact. It’s not just about technical jargon; it’s about how security issues can directly affect the company’s bottom line.
Key risks include:
Unclassified, forgotten data—often referred to as stale data—poses a major risk. Old files sitting in cloud storage or abandoned SaaS apps may contain sensitive information but lack proper monitoring, making them an easy target for attackers.
High-profile breaches show how long the damage can last. British Airways was fined £183 million (negotiated down to £20 million) after exposing 380,000 customers' data, with legal battles continuing for years. Equifax’s 2017 breach compromised 147 million people’s data, and loss of customer trust. Marriott’s 2018 breach affected up to 500 million guests with legal and reputational issues still lingering.
For executives, these aren’t one-off crises. They’re long term business risks. A single breach can mean many years of financial penalties, lawsuits, and loss of customer trust. By positioning data classification and data loss prevention as proactive measures, you can show executives that preventing a breach is far less costly than dealing with the fallout.
Data classification keeps sensitive information safe, but getting executives on board means showing how the introduction of a solid program and solution can reduce risks, and ultimately save time.
Executives may worry about the time and resources needed to implement a new data protection program. And while it’s important to outline the effort involved, the good news is that automation reduces that time cost.
Instead of a slow, manual process, automation can speed things up by as much as 80%, allowing teams to classify and protect data faster while keeping costs down. And it’s not only time that’s saved, automation removes the guesswork for employees, ensuring data is handled consistently and securely.
A well-integrated data classification solution works across the SaaS tools your teams already use—Google Drive, Slack, Notion, and more—providing a centralised way to track and protect sensitive data without disrupting workflows.
With Data Classification solutions like Metomic’s, security teams can optimise classification with real-time detection. Sensitive data is identified and protected instantly, reducing the risk of exposure from day one.
To get the support of an executive team, clearly outline the current risks, costs associated with your proposed action, and the overall business impact. The aim should be to outline how the deployment of data classification solutions can support the overarching business objectives.
Companies can take their security to the next level with AI and automation. Instead of relying on slow, manual processes, automated classification scales with the business, cutting down on operational costs and freeing up security teams for more strategic work.
In fact, companies who leverage AI-driven security solutions, including automated classification, save an average of $2.22 million per data breach. That’s because automation reduces response times, minimises human error, and ensures data is consistently handled according to policy—all without adding to the team’s workload.
Beyond cost savings, data classification strengthens security and keeps organisations compliant. GDPR fines can reach €20 million, with the average fine per violation rising to €4.4 million in 2023. Furthermore, a solid data classification program strengthens existing security tools by providing clear visibility into what data needs protection.
Finally, classification supports business growth by enabling secure collaboration, building customer trust, and protecting intellectual property. By framing data classification as a business enabler rather than just a security tool, you make it easier for executives to see its value.
Know the costs and pain points associated with rolling out a data classification strategy, so you can be prepared for any objections. The most common worries of executives revolve around cost, disruption to the business, and complexity.
These are valid concerns, luckily with some preparation, you can put their minds at ease:
Understandably, an executive team will be concerned with upfront costs and potential disruption a data classification program may cause. At present only 55% of companies have established data classification programs in place. With the troves of data stored and created day in and day out the number should be far higher.
It’s clear that the long term benefits far outweigh the initial costs, (which can be as high as $385,000 for the first year). Executing a well-thought out data classification program is an investment into the future of a business as it ensures that sensitive data is protected, reduces risks, and ensures compliance.
Come prepared with a strategy of tangible figures like dates and timelines. Keep the process simple—not everyone is a data scientist or has a security background. Use clear, accessible language so that anyone can understand. Explore different solutions and show your leadership team that you’ve carefully evaluated the best options
While data classification seems complex to implement, managing data without it is even more challenging. In fact, 79% of executives and 75% of business users struggle with data quality because of poor data management. A clear data classification system simplifies data management, making it easier to handle across the organisation.
To implement a successful data classification strategy, you need the right people on board from the start.
These are the key stakeholders you need to engage:
Engaging these groups early ensures stronger adoption, smoother implementation, and long-term success.
When executives take security seriously, the rest of the organisation follows. It creates a security-first mindset where protecting data isn’t just an IT issue; it’s something everyone can take part in. Building a security first culture, reduces risk, improves compliance, and makes businesses more resilient.
Security training is only effective if people pay attention—and that starts with leadership. Since 82% of data breaches stem from human error, building a strong security culture is essential. When employees know what to do and receive timely reminders, the risk of mistakes drops, keeping data safer.
Executive support plays a key role in driving engagement with security awareness. Regular training sessions, combined with real-time guidance, help reinforce good habits.
This is where tools like Metomic can make a difference. Metomic helps create a human firewall by sending instant notifications when employees mishandle sensitive data. Instead of waiting for IT to catch mistakes, employees receive real-time prompts to correct them—making data protection second nature.
Metomic makes it easier to protect sensitive data, stay compliant, and reduce the workload for your IT and security teams:
Bringing Metomic into your organisation is straightforward and designed to enhance security, simplify compliance, and ease the burden on IT and security teams.
Here’s how to get started: