diff --git a/backend/alembic/versions/b059_data_classification_scheme.py b/backend/alembic/versions/b059_data_classification_scheme.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..88c8c9b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/alembic/versions/b059_data_classification_scheme.py
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+"""Rename data_classification values to match the org's real scheme.
+
+public -> public_release, internal -> general_use, sensitive -> confidential.
+restricted is unchanged. Applies to tests, campaigns, and evidences tables
+(all plain String(20) columns — no native enum type to alter).
+
+Revision ID: b059
+Revises: b058
+Create Date: 2026-07-07
+"""
+
+from alembic import op
+
+revision = "b059"
+down_revision = "b058"
+branch_labels = None
+depends_on = None
+
+_TABLES = ("tests", "campaigns", "evidences")
+
+_RENAMES_UP = {
+    "public": "public_release",
+    "internal": "general_use",
+    "sensitive": "confidential",
+}
+
+_RENAMES_DOWN = {v: k for k, v in _RENAMES_UP.items()}
+
+
+def upgrade() -> None:
+    for table in _TABLES:
+        for old, new in _RENAMES_UP.items():
+            op.execute(f"UPDATE {table} SET data_classification = '{new}' WHERE data_classification = '{old}'")
+        op.alter_column(table, "data_classification", server_default="confidential")
+
+
+def downgrade() -> None:
+    for table in _TABLES:
+        for new, old in _RENAMES_DOWN.items():
+            op.execute(f"UPDATE {table} SET data_classification = '{old}' WHERE data_classification = '{new}'")
+        op.alter_column(table, "data_classification", server_default="internal")
diff --git a/backend/app/domain/enums.py b/backend/app/domain/enums.py
index 1b2a5e8..f453635 100644
--- a/backend/app/domain/enums.py
+++ b/backend/app/domain/enums.py
@@ -91,13 +91,16 @@ class AttackSuccessResult(str, enum.Enum):
 
 # Define class DataClassification
 class DataClassification(str, enum.Enum):
-    """Data sensitivity classification levels for compliance and retention policies."""
+    """Data sensitivity classification levels for compliance and retention policies.
 
-    # Assign public = "public"
-    public = "public"
-    # Assign internal = "internal"
-    internal = "internal"
-    # Assign sensitive = "sensitive"
-    sensitive = "sensitive"
-    # Assign restricted = "restricted"
+    Matches the organization's data protection scheme:
+    - public_release: approved for external/public release
+    - general_use: general internal information, no special restriction
+    - confidential: internal use only, or shared with trusted people
+    - restricted: trusted people, customer content, and/or PII
+    """
+
+    public_release = "public_release"
+    general_use = "general_use"
+    confidential = "confidential"
     restricted = "restricted"
diff --git a/backend/app/models/campaign.py b/backend/app/models/campaign.py
index f033494..c38b761 100644
--- a/backend/app/models/campaign.py
+++ b/backend/app/models/campaign.py
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ class Campaign(Base):
     # Assign created_at = Column(DateTime(timezone=True), server_default=func.now())
     created_at = Column(DateTime(timezone=True), server_default=func.now())
     # Assign data_classification = Column(String(20), nullable=False, server_default="internal")
-    data_classification = Column(String(20), nullable=False, server_default="internal")
+    data_classification = Column(String(20), nullable=False, server_default="confidential")
 
     # Recurring scheduling fields
     is_recurring = Column(Boolean, default=False)
diff --git a/backend/app/models/evidence.py b/backend/app/models/evidence.py
index df92165..87c9d32 100644
--- a/backend/app/models/evidence.py
+++ b/backend/app/models/evidence.py
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ class Evidence(Base):
     # Assign notes = Column(Text, nullable=True)
     notes = Column(Text, nullable=True)
     # Assign data_classification = Column(String(20), nullable=False, server_default="internal")
-    data_classification = Column(String(20), nullable=False, server_default="internal")
+    data_classification = Column(String(20), nullable=False, server_default="confidential")
 
     # Relationships
     test = relationship("Test", back_populates="evidences")
diff --git a/backend/app/models/test.py b/backend/app/models/test.py
index 03c685c..8695781 100644
--- a/backend/app/models/test.py
+++ b/backend/app/models/test.py
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ class Test(Base):
     # Assign retest_count = Column(Integer, default=0)
     retest_count = Column(Integer, default=0)
     # Assign data_classification = Column(String(20), nullable=False, server_default="internal")
-    data_classification = Column(String(20), nullable=False, server_default="internal")
+    data_classification = Column(String(20), nullable=False, server_default="confidential")
 
     # ── Relationships ───────────────────────────────────────────────
     technique = relationship("Technique", back_populates="tests")
diff --git a/backend/app/routers/tests.py b/backend/app/routers/tests.py
index 258cca9..ffdb075 100644
--- a/backend/app/routers/tests.py
+++ b/backend/app/routers/tests.py
@@ -41,8 +41,8 @@ from sqlalchemy.orm import Session
 # Import get_db from app.database
 from app.database import get_db
 
-# Import get_current_user, require_any_role, require_role from app.dependencies.auth
-from app.dependencies.auth import get_current_user, require_any_role, require_role
+# Import get_current_user, require_any_role from app.dependencies.auth
+from app.dependencies.auth import get_current_user, require_any_role
 
 # Import UnitOfWork from app.domain.unit_of_work
 from app.domain.unit_of_work import UnitOfWork
@@ -86,6 +86,7 @@ from app.services.webhook_service import dispatch_webhook
 from app.services.test_crud_service import (
     create_test as crud_create_test,
 )
+from app.services.test_crud_service import determine_initial_classification
 
 # Import  from app.services.test_crud_service
 from app.services.test_crud_service import (
@@ -553,9 +554,14 @@ def update_test_classification(
     # Entry: db
     db: Session = Depends(get_db),
     # Entry: current_user
-    current_user: User = Depends(require_role("admin")),
+    current_user: User = Depends(require_any_role(
+        "admin", "manager", "red_tech", "red_lead", "blue_tech", "blue_lead",
+    )),
 ) -> TestOut:
-    """Update the data classification label for a test (admin only).
+    """Update the data classification label for a test.
+
+    The initial classification is a best-effort default based on the
+    technique's tactic — any test participant or admin can correct it.
 
     Args:
         test_id (uuid.UUID): Primary key of the test to classify.
@@ -1787,6 +1793,7 @@ def import_rt(
                 # validation_status pending so Blue Lead must confirm
                 detection_result=detection_result,
                 blue_validation_status=None,
+                data_classification=determine_initial_classification(technique),
                 # Timing
                 execution_date=exec_date_str,
                 created_at=datetime.utcnow(),
diff --git a/backend/app/schemas/test.py b/backend/app/schemas/test.py
index f8e1781..e6bc423 100644
--- a/backend/app/schemas/test.py
+++ b/backend/app/schemas/test.py
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ class TestCreate(BaseModel):
 
 
 class TestClassificationUpdate(BaseModel):
-    """Admin-only payload for changing data classification."""
+    """Payload for changing a test's data classification (any test participant or admin)."""
 
     # data_classification: DataClassification
     data_classification: DataClassification
@@ -299,8 +299,8 @@ class TestOut(BaseModel):
     retest_of: uuid.UUID | None = None
     # Assign retest_count = 0
     retest_count: int = 0
-    # Assign data_classification = "internal"
-    data_classification: str = "internal"
+    # Assign data_classification = "confidential"
+    data_classification: str = "confidential"
 
     # Technique info (populated when joined)
     technique_mitre_id: str | None = None
diff --git a/backend/app/seed_demo.py b/backend/app/seed_demo.py
index e40522c..a08fc06 100644
--- a/backend/app/seed_demo.py
+++ b/backend/app/seed_demo.py
@@ -54,6 +54,7 @@ from app.models.test_template import TestTemplate
 
 # Import User from app.models.user
 from app.models.user import User
+from app.services.test_crud_service import determine_initial_classification
 
 # Assign logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
@@ -348,6 +349,7 @@ def _seed_tests(db: Session, users: list[User], techniques: list[Technique], cou
             state=state,
             # Keyword argument: created_at
             created_at=datetime.utcnow() - timedelta(days=random.randint(0, 90)),
+            data_classification=determine_initial_classification(technique),
         )
 
         # Populate team fields based on state
diff --git a/backend/app/services/attck_evaluations_service.py b/backend/app/services/attck_evaluations_service.py
index 51dcb60..2da64aa 100644
--- a/backend/app/services/attck_evaluations_service.py
+++ b/backend/app/services/attck_evaluations_service.py
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ from app.models.test import Test
 from app.models.user import User
 from app.services.audit_service import log_action
 from app.services.status_service import recalculate_technique_status
+from app.services.test_crud_service import determine_initial_classification
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -631,6 +632,7 @@ def import_evaluation_round(
             red_validated_by=current_user.id,
             red_validated_at=datetime.utcnow(),
             detection_result=detection_result,
+            data_classification=determine_initial_classification(technique),
             blue_validation_status=None,
             execution_date=datetime.utcnow(),
             created_at=datetime.utcnow(),
diff --git a/backend/app/services/jira_service.py b/backend/app/services/jira_service.py
index fd7e5ec..34835ed 100644
--- a/backend/app/services/jira_service.py
+++ b/backend/app/services/jira_service.py
@@ -79,6 +79,7 @@ JIRA_FIELD_ATTACK_SUCCESS = "customfield_11815"
 JIRA_FIELD_ATTACK_DETECTED = "customfield_11809"
 JIRA_FIELD_TIME_TO_DETECT = "customfield_11810"
 JIRA_FIELD_TIME_TO_CONTAIN = "customfield_11811"
+JIRA_FIELD_DATA_SENSITIVITY = "customfield_11233"
 
 _ATTACK_SUCCESS_TO_JIRA = {
     "successful": "Yes",
@@ -92,6 +93,13 @@ _DETECTION_TO_JIRA = {
     "partially_detected": "Partial",
 }
 
+_DATA_CLASSIFICATION_TO_JIRA = {
+    "public_release": "Public Release",
+    "general_use": "General Use",
+    "confidential": "Confidential",
+    "restricted": "Restricted",
+}
+
 # Assign logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -667,6 +675,10 @@ def auto_create_test_issue(
             JIRA_FIELD_SEVERITY: severity,
         }
 
+        data_sensitivity = _DATA_CLASSIFICATION_TO_JIRA.get(_enum_value(test.data_classification))
+        if data_sensitivity:
+            fields[JIRA_FIELD_DATA_SENSITIVITY] = data_sensitivity
+
         # Inherit campaign start date if available, otherwise use today
         from datetime import date as _date
         effective_start = campaign_start_date or _date.today()
diff --git a/backend/app/services/test_crud_service.py b/backend/app/services/test_crud_service.py
index 2d4688e..27550e3 100644
--- a/backend/app/services/test_crud_service.py
+++ b/backend/app/services/test_crud_service.py
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ from app.domain.errors import (
     EntityNotFoundError,
     PermissionViolation,
 )
-from app.models.enums import TestState
+from app.models.enums import DataClassification, TestState
 from app.models.technique import Technique
 from app.models.test import Test
 from app.models.test_template import TestTemplate
@@ -26,6 +26,27 @@ from app.models.campaign import CampaignTest
 from app.models.audit import AuditLog
 from app.utils import escape_like
 
+# Tactics whose test data is more likely to touch customer content, PII, or
+# high-impact operational detail — these get an initial classification of
+# 'restricted' rather than the 'confidential' baseline. This is a starting
+# point only; the assigned operator or lead can always correct it.
+_RESTRICTED_TACTICS = frozenset({
+    "exfiltration", "collection", "credential-access", "impact",
+})
+
+
+def determine_initial_classification(technique: Technique | None) -> str:
+    """Best-effort initial data classification for a new test.
+
+    Every security test reveals internal attack/defense posture, so the
+    baseline is 'confidential' (internal use only) — never public or
+    general use by default. Escalated to 'restricted' when the technique's
+    tactic implies customer data, PII, or destructive impact.
+    """
+    if technique and technique.tactic and technique.tactic.lower() in _RESTRICTED_TACTICS:
+        return DataClassification.restricted.value
+    return DataClassification.confidential.value
+
 
 # Define function list_tests
 def list_tests(
@@ -121,6 +142,8 @@ def create_test(
         # Raise EntityNotFoundError
         raise EntityNotFoundError("Technique", str(technique_id))
 
+    data_classification = fields.pop("data_classification", None) or determine_initial_classification(technique)
+
     # Assign test = Test(
     test = Test(
         # Keyword argument: technique_id
@@ -130,6 +153,7 @@ def create_test(
         # Keyword argument: state
         state=TestState.draft,
         created_at=datetime.utcnow(),  # explicit — DB column has no server default
+        data_classification=data_classification,
         **fields,
     )
     # Stage new record(s) for database insertion
@@ -223,6 +247,7 @@ def create_test_from_template(
         # Keyword argument: state
         state=TestState.draft,
         created_at=datetime.utcnow(),  # explicit — DB column has no server default
+        data_classification=determine_initial_classification(technique),
     )
     # Stage new record(s) for database insertion
     db.add(test)
diff --git a/backend/tests/test_data_classification.py b/backend/tests/test_data_classification.py
index 45e8b58..0c8274c 100644
--- a/backend/tests/test_data_classification.py
+++ b/backend/tests/test_data_classification.py
@@ -1,15 +1,31 @@
-"""Tests for data classification fields and admin updates."""
+"""Tests for data classification fields and edit permissions."""
+
+from unittest.mock import MagicMock
+
+import pytest
 
 from app.models.enums import TestState
 from app.models.test import Test
 from app.models.technique import Technique
+from app.services.test_crud_service import determine_initial_classification
 
 
-def _seed_technique(db) -> Technique:
+@pytest.fixture
+def technique(client, auth_headers):
+    """Create a technique for test association (mirrors test_tests.py)."""
+    response = client.post(
+        "/api/v1/techniques",
+        json={"mitre_id": "T9998", "name": "Classification Fixture Technique"},
+        headers=auth_headers,
+    )
+    return response.json()
+
+
+def _seed_technique(db, tactic="execution") -> Technique:
     technique = Technique(
         mitre_id="T9999",
         name="Test Technique",
-        tactic="test",
+        tactic=tactic,
         platforms=["linux"],
     )
     db.add(technique)
@@ -18,7 +34,9 @@ def _seed_technique(db) -> Technique:
     return technique
 
 
-def test_new_test_defaults_to_internal(db, red_lead_user):
+def test_new_test_defaults_to_confidential_via_db_default(db, red_lead_user):
+    """A Test() constructed without going through the create_test service
+    still gets a safe classification via the column's server_default."""
     technique = _seed_technique(db)
     test = Test(
         technique_id=technique.id,
@@ -28,7 +46,19 @@ def test_new_test_defaults_to_internal(db, red_lead_user):
     db.add(test)
     db.commit()
     db.refresh(test)
-    assert test.data_classification == "internal"
+    assert test.data_classification == "confidential"
+
+
+def test_create_test_endpoint_uses_tactic_heuristic(client, db, api, auth_headers, technique):
+    """Going through the real create-test flow applies the tactic-based heuristic."""
+    resp = api(
+        "post", "/api/v1/tests", auth_headers,
+        json={"technique_id": technique["id"], "name": "Heuristic test"},
+    )
+    assert resp.status_code == 201, resp.text
+    # The shared `technique` fixture (see conftest/test_tests.py) doesn't set
+    # a restricted-tier tactic, so this should land on the baseline.
+    assert resp.json()["data_classification"] == "confidential"
 
 
 def test_admin_can_update_classification(client, db, admin_user, admin_token, red_lead_user):
@@ -44,17 +74,51 @@ def test_admin_can_update_classification(client, db, admin_user, admin_token, re
 
     response = client.patch(
         f"/api/v1/tests/{test.id}/classification",
-        json={"data_classification": "sensitive"},
+        json={"data_classification": "restricted"},
         headers={"Authorization": f"Bearer {admin_token}"},
     )
     assert response.status_code == 200
-    assert response.json()["data_classification"] == "sensitive"
+    assert response.json()["data_classification"] == "restricted"
 
     db.refresh(test)
-    assert test.data_classification == "sensitive"
+    assert test.data_classification == "restricted"
 
 
-def test_non_admin_cannot_update_classification(client, db, admin_user, red_lead_token, red_lead_user):
+def test_operator_can_update_classification(client, db, admin_user, red_lead_token, red_lead_user):
+    """Any test participant (not just admin) can correct the initial classification."""
+    technique = _seed_technique(db)
+    test = Test(
+        technique_id=technique.id,
+        name="Operator-editable",
+        created_by=red_lead_user.id,
+    )
+    db.add(test)
+    db.commit()
+
+    response = client.patch(
+        f"/api/v1/tests/{test.id}/classification",
+        json={"data_classification": "general_use"},
+        headers={"Authorization": f"Bearer {red_lead_token}"},
+    )
+    assert response.status_code == 200
+    assert response.json()["data_classification"] == "general_use"
+
+
+def test_viewer_cannot_update_classification(client, db, admin_user, red_lead_user):
+    """Viewer is not a test participant and should still be forbidden."""
+    from app.auth import hash_password
+    from app.models.user import User
+
+    viewer = User(
+        username="viewer_classif", email="viewer_classif@test.com",
+        hashed_password=hash_password("x"), role="viewer", is_active=True,
+        must_change_password=False,
+    )
+    db.add(viewer)
+    db.commit()
+    login = client.post("/api/v1/auth/login", data={"username": "viewer_classif", "password": "x"})
+    viewer_token = login.json()["access_token"]
+
     technique = _seed_technique(db)
     test = Test(
         technique_id=technique.id,
@@ -67,6 +131,26 @@ def test_non_admin_cannot_update_classification(client, db, admin_user, red_lead
     response = client.patch(
         f"/api/v1/tests/{test.id}/classification",
         json={"data_classification": "restricted"},
-        headers={"Authorization": f"Bearer {red_lead_token}"},
+        headers={"Authorization": f"Bearer {viewer_token}"},
     )
     assert response.status_code == 403
+
+
+def _technique_stub(tactic):
+    t = MagicMock()
+    t.tactic = tactic
+    return t
+
+
+def test_determine_initial_classification_defaults_to_confidential():
+    assert determine_initial_classification(_technique_stub("execution")) == "confidential"
+    assert determine_initial_classification(_technique_stub(None)) == "confidential"
+    assert determine_initial_classification(None) == "confidential"
+
+
+def test_determine_initial_classification_escalates_for_sensitive_tactics():
+    assert determine_initial_classification(_technique_stub("exfiltration")) == "restricted"
+    assert determine_initial_classification(_technique_stub("collection")) == "restricted"
+    assert determine_initial_classification(_technique_stub("credential-access")) == "restricted"
+    assert determine_initial_classification(_technique_stub("impact")) == "restricted"
+    assert determine_initial_classification(_technique_stub("Exfiltration")) == "restricted"