Data discovery and classification using sampling-based scanning techniques

Abstract

The technology disclosed herein relates to data discovery in computing environments, that provide access to data. In one example, a computer-implemented method includes identifying a first sampling criterion used for classification of a data store with respect to a target data type during a previous scan of the data store. The data store stores a set of data objects. The method includes selecting a second sampling criterion, from a plurality of sampling criteria, based on the first sampling criterion, and deploying one or more scanners configured to select a subset of data objects, from the set of data objects stored in the data store, based on the second sampling criterion. The subset comprises some, but not all, of the set of data objects. The method includes generating a classification result based on a number of instances of the target data type in the subset of data objects.