Classified Information Classification

Classified Information Classification

I’ve often looked at the technological aspects of information security, but from some recent events, I will be spending the next few days focusing on some non-technical function of information security and protecting information assets.

Classified information can be categorized in these three areas, top secret, secret and confidential.

Their descriptions are listed below:
Top Secret – The unauthorized disclosure of information can be expected to cause grave damage to national security.

Secret – The unauthorized disclosure of information can be expected to cause serious damage to national security.

Confidential – the unauthorized disclosure to information can be expected to cause damage to national security.

A person can access classified information provided that a favorable determination of eligibility for access has been made by an agency (Clearance), the person has a signed and approved nondisclosure agreement and the person has a “need-to-know” to access the information.

This is a very serious process and necessary to access classified information.