Patent ID: 8688601

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for generating machine learning-based classifiers for detecting specific categories of sensitive information, at least a portion of the method being performed by a computing device comprising at least one processor, the method comprising: identifying a plurality of specific categories of sensitive information to be protected by a data loss prevention (DLP) system; obtaining a training data set customized for each specific category of sensitive information that comprises a plurality of positive examples of data that fall within the specific category of sensitive information and a plurality of negative examples of data that do not fall within the specific category of sensitive information; using machine learning to train, based on an analysis of the training data sets, at least one machine learning-based classifier to detect items of data that contain one or more of the plurality of specific categories of sensitive information; deploying the machine learning-based classifier within the DLP system to enable the DLP system to detect and protect, using the machine learning-based classifier, items of data that contain one or more of the plurality of specific categories of sensitive information by performing at least one DLP action specified by at least one DLP policy of the DLP system, wherein the DLP action is selected based at least in part on whether the item of data comprises a percentage of one or more of the plurality of specific categories of sensitive information that exceeds a predetermined percentage threshold.