Quick Definition: Classified Information Classified information is official government data that is restricted from public access to protect national security and is categorized by levels such as Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. Key Points Defined and governed by executive orders and federal law. Access requires a security clearance and need-to-know. Misuse or unauthorized access can…
The U.S. classification system was formalized in the mid-20th century to protect national defense and intelligence data.
The U.S. formally adopted classification systems during the World War II era. Executive Order 8381 in 1938 introduced initial categories like “Restricted.” EO 10290 in 1951 under Truman created a more unified system, including “Top Secret.” Later updates came from EO 12065 (Carter, 1978) and EO 13526 (Obama, 2009), now the guiding framework.
Classified information refers to government-owned or controlled information related to national defense or foreign relations that requires protection from unauthorized disclosure.
