Information Security Act
This act establishes the framework for managing and protecting government documents, operational procedures, and sensitive knowledge. Information is categorized based on the potential risk associated with its disclosure, with authority for classification held by those responsible for handling the data.
Levels of Information Classification
- Public: Information that has never been classified and is considered non-sensitive and available to the general public.
- Unclassified: Information that was previously classified but has since been officially declassified for public release.
- Confidential: Protected information managed by government entities, such as records from the DMV, criminal justice system, medical facilities, or banking institutions. This category typically includes Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and is restricted to the individual subject of the record and authorized personnel (e.g., law enforcement, medical professionals, or legal counsel) who require the data to perform their job duties.
- Secret: High-sensitivity information, including but not limited to military technology, specialized records, and sensitive diplomatic communications.
- Beyond Secret: The structural details and organization of any classification levels higher than "Secret" are themselves classified information.
Access and Control
"Classified Information" is defined as any data designated as "Secret" or higher. Access to this material is strictly limited and regulated by the highest levels of government. Authorization is granted exclusively on a "need-to-know" basis to individuals whose professional responsibilities require access to the sensitive material.
"Classified Information" is defined as any data designated as "Secret" or higher. Access to this material is strictly limited and regulated by the highest levels of government. Authorization is granted exclusively on a "need-to-know" basis to individuals whose professional responsibilities require access to the sensitive material.