OPSEC Classification Terms Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of Access?

The determination of official information classification.

The unauthorized disclosure of classified information.

Official knowledge that can be communicated.

The ability and opportunity to obtain knowledge or possession of classified information. (correct)

What does Classification mean?

The determination by an authorized official that official information requires protection against unauthorized disclosure.

What does the term Compromise refer to?

The ability to access classified information.

A type of security clearance.

Unauthorized disclosure of classified information. (correct)

The classification of information.

What is Information in the context of security classification?

Any official knowledge owned or produced by the U.S. Government. Signup and view all the answers

What are the Three Levels of Classification?

Top Secret, Secret, Confidential Signup and view all the answers

Top Secret information could lead to mild damage if disclosed.

False Signup and view all the answers

Secret information can cause serious damage to national security if disclosed.

True Signup and view all the answers

Confidential information disclosure is likely to cause severe damage to national security.

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

OPSEC Classification Terms

Access: Refers to the capability to obtain classified information, encompassing both opportunity and means to gain knowledge.
Classification: A process by which authorized personnel categorize official information that needs protection to safeguard national security from unauthorized access.
Compromise: Occurs when classified information is disclosed without authorization to individuals lacking appropriate security clearance.
Information: Encompasses all forms of official knowledge, both communicative and documentary, controlled by the U.S. Government, with "control" signifying the authority over access regulation by the originating agency.

Three Levels of Security Classification

Security Levels: U.S. classified information is solely identified as Top Secret, Secret, or Confidential; terminology like 'For Official Use Only' (FOUO) or 'Secret Sensitive' (SS) is excluded.

Levels of Classification Details

Top Secret:
- Unauthorized disclosure may lead to exceptionally grave damage to national security.
- Examples of potential damage include:
  - Disruption of critical foreign relations.
  - Compromise of vital national defense operations.
  - Exposure of complex cryptographic or communication intelligence systems.
  - Revelation of sensitive intelligence activities.
  - Disclosure of significant scientific or technological advancements crucial to national security.
Secret:
- Unauthorized disclosure could result in serious damage to national security.
- Potential impacts include:
  - Significant impairment of national security-related programs or policies.
  - Exposure of military plans or intelligence operations.
  - Disclosure of scientific or technological developments associated with national security.
Confidential:
- Unauthorized disclosure could be expected to cause damage to national security.
- Examples of sensitive information include:
  - Disclosure of military capabilities, encompassing ground, air, and naval forces.
  - Exposure of performance data regarding U.S. munitions and weapon systems, including design and production information.

Description

Explore essential OPSEC classification terms and understand the three levels of security classification. This quiz features important definitions that are crucial for anyone involved in handling classified information. Master these concepts to enhance your knowledge of national security protocols.