What happens if you share classified information?

Intentionally disclosing classified information without authorization is a federal crime under the espionage act. Punishment may be up to ten years in prison, a large fine, or could even get you charged with treason.

Is Secret higher than confidential?

The executive agencies sort classified information into three categories of escalating sensitivity: “confidential,” “secret,” and “top secret.” “Confidential” applies to information whose release could “damage” national security, whereas secret carries with it the potential for “serious damage” and top secret “grave …

What are the 3 levels of classified information?

The U.S. classification of information system has three classification levels — Top Secret, Secret, and Confidential — which are defined in EO 12356. Those levels are used both for NSI and atomic energy information (RD and FRD).

Who is responsible for the safeguarding transmission and disclosing of classified information?

13526 as it applies to the classification and declassification of material, the marking of classified material, and relevant training and guidance. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is responsible for protecting classified information and special access programs.

Is it illegal to share classified information?

Whether Americans agree that keeping select information “secret” is really best for the American people or not, unauthorized disclosure of classified information in the United States is a crime under the Espionage Act of 1917.

Does Congress have access to top secret documents?

Unlike officials at federal agencies, lawmakers do not have security clearances per se, experts said. Rather, members of Congress are by tradition deemed inherently trustworthy by dint of the offices they hold, although they are subject to punishment under the House ethics code for revealing classified information.

What’s the difference between a secret and confidentiality?

Secret: applies when compromise might reasonably cause serious injury to the national interest. Confidential: disclosure might reasonably cause injury to the national interest.

What’s the difference between secret and top secret clearance?

The clearance process for Secret level access uses an investigation called the National Agency Check with Law and Credit that goes back five years, while the clearance process for Top Secret uses a Single Scope Background Investigation that goes back ten years.

Is top secret the highest level of classification?

Top Secret is the highest level of classification. However some information is further categorized/marked by adding a code word so that only those who have been cleared for each code word can see it.

What level of damage can the unauthorized disclosure of information classified as confidential?

be classified “Secret” its unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage to the national security. This classification should be used sparingly. Examples of “ serious damage” include disruption of foreign relations significantly.

What information is permitted in an announcement for a classified meeting?

Announcement of the classified conference should be unclassified and limited to a general description of topics expected to be presented, names of speakers, logistical information, and administrative and security instructions.

Is whistleblowing the same as reporting a UD?

Is whistleblowing the same as reporting an unauthorized disclosure? No, they use different reporing procedures.

How do I Mark FOUO information in a classified document?

When FOUO information is contained within a classified document, the same rules apply except that full pages that contain FOUO information but no classified information shall be marked FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY at both the top and bottom of the page.

What does FOUO stand for in government documents?

For Official Use Only (FOUO) is a document designation, not a classification. This designation is used by Department of Defense and a number of other federal agencies to identify information or material which, although unclassified, may not be appropriate for public release.

Who has the authority to classify information as top secret?

Top Secret classification authorities: Pursuant to section 1.3 of E.O. 13526 and the delegations made thereunder by the Secretary, those occupying various positions in the Department and at posts abroad have the authority to classify information originally as Top Secret.

Is partition marking required for unclassified documents with FOUO information?

Portion marking of unclassified documents containing FOUO information is required by DoD Regulation 5400.7-R. It is not required by Regulation 5200.1-R. Regulation 5400.7-R applies as it is more recent. Link back to the Western Region Security Office home page.