What is classified information? When do you consider an information classified?

Answer 1

Information that must be controlled to protect the national security is assigned one of three levels of classification, as follows:

TOP SECRET information is information which, if disclosed without authorization, could reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security.

SECRET information is information which, if disclosed without authorization, could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage to the national security.

CONFIDENTIAL information is information which, if disclosed without authorization, could reasonably be expected to cause damage to the national security.

Executive Order 12958, April 17, 1995, sets U.S. Government policy for classifying national security information that must be protected from unauthorized disclosure. Information is classified in one of two ways -- originally or derivatively.

Original classification is the initial determination that information requires protection. Only U.S. Government officials to whom this authority has been delegated in writing and who have been trained in classification requirements have the authority for original classification. Original classification authorities issue security classification guides that others use in making derivative classification decisions. Most government employees and contractors make derivative classification decisions.

Derivative classification is the act of classifying a specific item of information or material on the basis of an original classification decision already made by an authorized original classification authority. The source of authority for derivative classification ordinarily consists of a previously classified document or a classification guide issued by an original classification authority.

For example, Defense contractors make derivative classification decisions based on the Contract Security Classification Specification that is issued with each classified contract. If a contractor develops an unsolicited proposal or originates information not in the performance of a classified contract, the following rules apply. If the information was previously identified as classified, it should be classified derivatively. If the information was not previously classified, but the contractor believes the information may be or should be classified, the contractor should protect the information as though classified at the appropriate level and submit it to the agency that has an interest in the subject matter for a classification determination. In such a case, the material should be marked CLASSIFICATION DETERMINATION PENDING. Protect as though classified (TOP SECRET, SECRET, or CONFIDENTIAL).

The full text of Executive Order 12958 is available at DSS website at www.dss.mil/seclib/index.htm. Classification guidelines for defense contractors are in Chapter 4 of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual. Full text of the NISPOM is available on the Defense Security Service Internet site at, www.dss.mil/seclib/index.htm.

Answer 2

Contrary to popular belief, there are 3 classifications of intelligence: Non-Classified; Classified; and Secret. I think Non-Classified would be public information on policies and procedures, Classified is information regarding tactical information (anything that might endanger service-people if known to "enemies") and Secret is more related to strategic plans, covert actions, etc.

Answer 3

Classified information means just that: It's classified into one of three categories, namely, 'Confidential', 'Secret', and 'Top Secret'.

Confidential information is information that could be used against an individual, but doesn't compromise military activity (such as social security numbers or lists of service members at a particular duty station).

Secret information usually involves information about military capabilities, military movements, or information that could have some harm to national security.

Top Secret information involves information that will compromise national security, reveal sources or methods in intelligence gathering, or that threaten to reveal military contingency plans.

Answer 4

Cant believe i am answering this. For example your bank account balance your social security number Your credit report. Things like that are classified. That is information the the general public has no need to know. In the Military certain duties require certain levels of clearance. So in order for you to be told the information you would need to have a security clearance for that inforamtion. Like if they have a plan of atttack on somplace. They dont just take the information and post it in the local paper. They only tell the key people who are incharge of making it happen.

Answer 5

Bushs involvement in 9/11 thats classified info

Answer 6

Information that must be restricted for personal or public good, or for the security of the personal or public good, should and I believe is considered classified.

The icky grey area then becomes whose good is being looked out for, and at what cost. :)

Answer 7

When no-one knows .. the truth.. when no-one knows what you really believe and where you go every night.... 'cause it is an addiction, but you can't tell them 'cause they'd bound you in your stockings and suspenders. It is the truth that others would hate you for. It may very well ruen your life as you've known it.

Answer 8

Information you do not want other people to know.

Answer 9

DJ has the right answer. I was beginning to wonder if anyone would, or if I would get stuck typing all that.

Answer 10

Depends.... are you talking casually or a government or military meaning??