Protect Your Most Valuable Asset:Your Data

How to Stay Ahead in the Age of Information

By Edwin L. Hill, CEO of Jadex Strategic Group

Your Data Is Your Gold—Here’s Why

Imagine running your business without access to your data. Sounds impossible, right? That’s because data isn’t just an asset—it’s the backbone of modern business. Hackers know this too, which is why ransomware attacks target your data, holding it hostage for a payout. Losing control of your data can mean losing control of your business. So, the question is: are you doing enough to protect it?

Lessons from the Military: The Power of Classification

During my time in the U.S. Navy, I worked with highly classified information. Trust me, classifying data isn’t just about stamps and labels; it’s about survival. In the Navy, we used classification levels like Top Secret, Secret, Confidential, and Unclassified to protect sensitive operations. But here’s the kicker—not all agencies and military branches classify information the same way. This can lead to confusion and wasted resources.

Let me give you an example. When I transitioned out of the military, I listed my job description on my resume—something pulled straight from an unclassified Navy manual. A hiring manager printed my resume, left it on a desk, and someone flagged it for potentially containing classified information. That landed me in an NSA investigation. After proving that my resume was based on public Navy documents, everything worked out. Still, the experience highlighted how inconsistent classification systems can cause unnecessary headaches.

From Ink Pads to Digital Labels: What Modern Businesses Can Learn

Thankfully, businesses today don’t have to deal with manual classification stamps like “Top Secret.” Tools like Microsoft’s sensitivity labels offer a smarter solution. These digital labels allow you to classify data automatically. For example, you can label company-proprietary information so it’s encrypted, watermarked, or kept internal. You can even set rules to prevent sensitive data from being emailed outside your organization.

Why This Matters for Your Business

Imagine you’re managing confidential client data or proprietary research. A single accidental email could compromise everything. With digital labels, you can automate protection and avoid costly mistakes. You can also set retention labels for documents, deciding how long they stay in your system or whether they require review before deletion. This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about staying one step ahead.

Making It Work for You

Here’s the catch: these tools aren’t plug-and-play. You need a team that understands the technology and builds workflows to ensure alerts are reviewed. Think of it like having guards at the gates of your castle—without them, your data remains vulnerable.

What's Next?

If you’re ready to take control of your data, it’s time to act. At Jadex Strategic Group, we help businesses implement sensitivity and retention labels tailored to their needs. Don’t let your most valuable asset, which is your data, become a liability. Reach out, and let’s protect what matters most.