What happens when the media encounters classified information that should be in the public domain?

What happens when the media encounters classified information that should be in the public domain?

Contractor personnel who inadvertently discover potentially classified information in the public domain should immediately report its existence to their Facility Security Officer (FSO). The memo goes onto explain how individuals can clear offending material from their browser cache.

What is the penalty for disclosing 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 it a crime to reveal classified information?

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

How do you handle top secret documents?

Record must be kept of incoming and outgoing material. All incoming documents must be immediately placed in an appropriate file cover. TOP SECRET material should be maintained in a separate registry, staffed only by persons authorised to handle such material.

What do you do if you find classified information?

Stay with the classified material and notify the security office. If this is not possible, take the documents or other material to the security office, a supervisor, or another person authorized access to that information, or, if necessary, lock the material in your own safe overnight.

What is classified information for government?

Classified Information is material that a government body deems to be sensitive information that must be protected. Access is restricted by law or regulation to particular groups of people with the necessary security clearance and need to know, and mishandling of the material can incur criminal penalties.

What law protects classified information?

§ 503.59 Safeguarding classified information. (a) All classified information shall be afforded a level of protection against unauthorized disclosure commensurate with its level of classification.

Why is information classified?

The purpose of classification is to protect information. Higher classifications protect information that might endanger national security. Classification formalises what constitutes a “state secret” and accords different levels of protection based on the expected damage the information might cause in the wrong hands.

How do you protect classified information?

Why is it important to classify information?

Information Classification helps to ensure that individuals involved inside the organization have the knowledge and are aware of the type of data they are working with and its value, as well as their obligations and responsibilities in protecting it and preventing data breach or loss.

How do you report classified information?

You may contact the DoD Hotline at 1-800-424-9098 (unsecured line) to coordinate delivery. Speaking on a classified, secured line can be arranged.

How do you protect classified information when it has been removed from storage?

c. Cover sheets shall be used to protect classified documents from compromise. The cover sheet may be removed when the document is transmitted outside the office or facility or when it is placed in a file folder.

What should I do if I find a classified document?

Stay with the classified material and notify the security office. If this is not possible, take the documents or other material to the security office, a supervisor, or another person authorized access to that information, or, if necessary, lock the material in your own safe overnight.

What is the proper way to handle classified information?

Classified information that is not safeguarded in an approved security container shall be constantly under the control of a person having the proper security clearance and need-to-know. An end-of-day security check should ensure that all classified material is properly secured before closing for the night.

What to do if you are not briefed on classified information?

If you are not briefed for any reason or if you have doubt about anything, consult with your immediate supervisor for guidance. If you are a custodian of classified documents, you need to make sure that it is kept in a proper security container that is approved by the authority.

Can you take classified information home with you?

Classified material shall not be taken home, and you must not work on classified material at home. Classified information shall not be disposed of in the waste basket. It must be placed in a designated container for an approved method of destruction such as shredding or burning.