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The process that is used to protect data based on its secrecy, sensitivity, or confidentiality is data classification. This is a critical aspect of information governance and risk management, as it involves categorizing data into specific classes or levels according to its sensitivity and the need for protection. By classifying data, organizations can implement appropriate security measures tailored to each classification level. This might involve restricting access, applying encryption, or enforcing handling protocols to ensure that sensitive information is adequately safeguarded from unauthorized access or disclosure.

Data classification systems typically include several levels, such as public, internal, confidential, and proprietary, allowing organizations to prioritize their security resources and respond effectively to data breaches or other risks based on the data's importance.

The other processes mentioned, such as change control, data hiding, and configuration management, play different roles in an organization's overall security posture but do not directly focus on the classification and protection of data according to its sensitivity. Change control is primarily concerned with managing changes to systems or processes to minimize disruptions. Data hiding refers to techniques used in programming to restrict access to certain data elements, while configuration management deals with maintaining computer systems and software in a desired consistent state. None of these directly categorize data for protection, which is the essence of data classification.