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The Essential Rules of Information Classification
For people who do nor or have not worked in an environment that deals with classified information or intelligence, it can be difficult to understand what is classified and why. That leads to lots of misunderstandings when discussing the subject. Here are some basic rules of how things get classified in various branches of government that deal with such things. It may not work the way you think it does. This list of rules is classified Top Secret, of course:
Departmental Rules for Classification of Information
Rule 1: Assume that everything you do is, or should be, classified.
Rule 2: When in doubt, mark everything as classified. Avoid doubt.
Rule 3: If it is potentially embarrassing to the agency or its leadership, it is classified.
Rule 4: If it's something you don't think the public should know, it is classified.
Rule 5: If it could get you or your boss fired, it is classified Top Secret SAP or higher.
Rule 6: The more embarrassing or damaging the information, the higher the classification.
Rule 7: Always use the highest credible level of classification.
Rule 8: If you don't think it should be classified at all, mark it Confidential.
Rule 8: The object of classification is to prevent the public on our side from learning the information.
Rule 9: The other side already knows what you are about to classify.
Rule 10: Once classified, it is always classified unless someone in a higher position says otherwise.
Rule 10a: Never, ever declassify anything that is marked as classified. Let others do that.
Rule 11: Even if the information is widely known or is leading the news, mark it classified anyhow.
Rule 12: To avoid issues with classification, try to avoid creating any new documents. Let others do that.
Rule 1: Assume that everything you do is, or should be, classified.
Rule 2: When in doubt, mark everything as classified. Avoid doubt.
Rule 3: If it is potentially embarrassing to the agency or its leadership, it is classified.
Rule 4: If it's something you don't think the public should know, it is classified.
Rule 5: If it could get you or your boss fired, it is classified Top Secret SAP or higher.
Rule 6: The more embarrassing or damaging the information, the higher the classification.
Rule 7: Always use the highest credible level of classification.
Rule 8: If you don't think it should be classified at all, mark it Confidential.
Rule 8: The object of classification is to prevent the public on our side from learning the information.
Rule 9: The other side already knows what you are about to classify.
Rule 10: Once classified, it is always classified unless someone in a higher position says otherwise.
Rule 10a: Never, ever declassify anything that is marked as classified. Let others do that.
Rule 11: Even if the information is widely known or is leading the news, mark it classified anyhow.
Rule 12: To avoid issues with classification, try to avoid creating any new documents. Let others do that.