Security Clearance Levels and Document Marking

Clearance Levels

• Classification of personnel based on the level of sensitive information they can access
• Common clearance levels:
  • Top Secret (TS): highest level of clearance, access to extremely sensitive information
  • Secret (S): access to sensitive information that could cause serious damage if compromised
  • Confidential (C): access to information that could cause some damage if compromised
  • Unclassified (U): no access to sensitive information

Document Marking

• Markings used to indicate the level of classification and handling instructions
• Common markings:
  • Classification level (e.g. TOP SECRET, SECRET, CONFIDENTIAL)
  • Distribution limitations (e.g. NOFORN, NOCONTRACTOR)
  • Handling instructions (e.g. EYES ONLY, DESTROY AFTER READING)
  • Caveats (e.g. ORCON, PROPIN)

Security Protocols

• Procedures to protect classified information from unauthorized access
• Physical security protocols:
  • Secure storage in authorized facilities (e.g. safes, vaults)
  • Access controls (e.g. biometric authentication, ID checks)
  • Surveillance and monitoring
• Electronic security protocols:
  • Encryption of digital files and communications
  • Secure networks and transmission protocols
  • Access controls and authentication for digital systems
• Handling and transmission protocols:
  • Secure transmission of classified documents (e.g. courier services, secure email)
  • Secure handling and storage of classified documents during transportation
  • Destruction of classified documents when no longer needed

Clearance Levels

• Personnel are classified based on the level of sensitive information they can access
• Top Secret (TS) clearance is the highest level, granting access to extremely sensitive information
• Secret (S) clearance allows access to sensitive information that could cause serious damage if compromised
• Confidential (C) clearance provides access to information that could cause some damage if compromised
• Unclassified (U) clearance means no access to sensitive information

Document Marking

• Classification level markings indicate the level of sensitivity (e.g. TOP SECRET, SECRET, CONFIDENTIAL)
• Distribution limitations markings restrict access to specific individuals or groups (e.g. NOFORN, NOCONTRACTOR)
• Handling instructions markings provide guidance on how to handle classified documents (e.g. EYES ONLY, DESTROY AFTER READING)
• Caveats markings indicate specific restrictions or handling requirements (e.g. ORCON, PROPIN)

Security Protocols

Physical Security

• Classified information is stored in authorized facilities (e.g. safes, vaults)
• Access controls include biometric authentication and ID checks
• Surveillance and monitoring systems are used to prevent unauthorized access

Electronic Security

• Digital files and communications are encrypted to protect classified information
• Secure networks and transmission protocols are used to transmit classified information
• Access controls and authentication are used to secure digital systems

Handling and Transmission

• Classified documents are transmitted securely using courier services or secure email
• Classified documents are handled and stored securely during transportation
• Classified documents are destroyed when no longer needed to prevent unauthorized access

Learn about the different levels of security clearance, from Top Secret to Unclassified, and how documents are marked accordingly.