Computer-implemented methods, systems, and computer-readable media for using community data to automatically generate rules for distinguishing data files from other file types are disclosed. In one example, an exemplary method for performing such a task may comprise: 1) receiving file metadata from a plurality of computing systems within a community, 2) establishing, based on the file metadata received from the plurality of computing systems within the community, criteria for distinguishing data files from other file types, and then 3) automatically generating a rule that comprises at least one of the criteria for distinguishing data files from other file types. Corresponding methods for identifying data files by applying such rules are also disclosed.