Marking Classified Information

Marking serves to: (1) Alert the holder to the presence of classified information, (2) Identify the specific information that needs protection, (3) Identify the level of classification, (4) Indicate who classified the document and why, and (5) Provide guidance for downgrading or declassification.

Portion markings identify the classification level of individual sections (paragraphs, subparagraphs, titles, subjects, graphics, etc.) of a document. They are placed at the beginning of each portion using abbreviations: (TS) for Top Secret, (S) for Secret, (C) for Confidential, and (U) for Unclassified.

Banner markings (also called overall markings) appear at the top and bottom of each page. They reflect the highest classification level of any portion on that page and must be conspicuous enough to alert anyone handling the document to the presence of classified information.

Banner markings must be in all capital letters, in English only, with no abbreviations of the classification level. They should be centered at the top and bottom of each page. For example: TOP SECRET, SECRET, or CONFIDENTIAL.

The Classification Authority Block is a set of markings that identifies: (1) Who classified the information ('Classified by' or 'Derived from' line), (2) The reason for classification ('Reason' line, for original classification only), and (3) How long the information must remain classified ('Declassify on' line).

Original classification is the initial determination that information requires protection against unauthorized disclosure. Derivative classification is the incorporating, paraphrasing, restating, or generating information in a new form based on existing classified source material or a security classification guide (SCG).

INCOMPLETE -- implies the 'Classified By' line is unique to original classification. It is not. 32 CFR 2001.22(b) requires the SAME line on derivatively classified documents, carrying the DERIVATIVE classifier's identity: 'Derivative classifiers shall be identified by name and position, or by personal identifier, in a manner that is immediately apparent on each derivatively classified document. If not otherwise evident, the agency and office of origin shall be identified and follow the name on the "Classified By" line.' Add that a derivative document has BOTH a 'Classified By' line (the derivative classifier) and a 'Derived From' line (the source).

For derivatively classified documents, the 'Derived from' line identifies the source document(s) or security classification guide used. If multiple sources were used, the line reads 'Multiple Sources' and a source list must be maintained with the record copy.

The 'Declassify on' line indicates when the information will be declassified. Options include a specific date, a specific event, or an exemption marking (such as '25X1' through '25X9'). The maximum duration for original classification is 25 years from the date of the original decision unless an exemption applies.

The 'Reason' line is required only for originally classified documents. It identifies the specific reason(s) for classification as listed in Section 1.4 of Executive Order 13526, such as 'military plans' or 'intelligence activities.'

When deriving classification from multiple sources with different declassification instructions, use the MOST RESTRICTIVE declassification instruction. This means the latest declassification date or the most restrictive exemption among all source materials.

Substantively right, but the quoted marking text is not the regulatory wording. 32 CFR 2001.24(b) prescribes 'Unclassified When Classified Enclosure Removed' or 'Upon Removal of Attachments, This Document is (Classification Level)' -- 'or similar instructions.' The answer's 'UNCLASSIFIED WHEN SEPARATED FROM CLASSIFIED ENCLOSURES' is a common variant, not the text in the CFR.

If the transmittal document contains classified information, it must be fully marked with banner markings, portion markings, and a Classification Authority Block, just like any other classified document. The banner marking reflects the highest level of either the transmittal or its enclosures.

Working papers must be: (1) Dated when created, (2) Marked with banner markings at the top and bottom, (3) Annotated 'WORKING PAPER' in the classification authority block, and (4) Marked with portion markings if practicable. When taking notes at a classified meeting, include the date, banner markings, and the 'Working Paper' annotation.

Add the DoD SAP exception. DoDM 5200.01 Vol. 2 states: 'Working papers are marked in the same manner as a finished document at the same classification level when released by the originator outside the originating activity, retained more than 180 days from date of origin (30 days for SAPs), or filed permanently.' The trigger is 180 days (30 days for Special Access Programs), not a flat 180.

CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) is information that requires safeguarding but does not meet the standards for classification. CUI markings use 'CUI' banners (not classification levels), have different handling requirements, and are governed by 32 CFR Part 2002 rather than EO 13526.

The front cover requires: the overall classification level (banner marking) at the top and bottom, any applicable control markings or caveats, and the Classification Authority Block. If there is a title, it should also have a portion marking.

Interior pages require: banner markings at the top and bottom reflecting the highest classification of any portion on that page, portion markings on each paragraph/section, and page numbers.

Subject and title lines must be portion-marked to reflect the classification of the title itself. The portion marking appears before the subject or title text, for example: '(S) Operation Eagle Strike.'

Downgrading is reducing the classification level of information (e.g., from Top Secret to Secret). When downgrading is authorized, the Classification Authority Block must include downgrade instructions, such as 'Downgrade to SECRET on [date].' The document must then be remarked accordingly when the downgrade takes effect.

Regrading involves changing the classification level of information (up or down). It can only be done by the Original Classification Authority or a successor. When regraded, all markings must be updated and all holders of the document must be notified of the change.

Classified email must include: banner markings in the subject line and body (top and bottom), portion markings on each paragraph, a Classification Authority Block, and the overall classification level. The subject line itself must be portion-marked.

Dissemination control markings restrict distribution of classified information beyond standard classification. Examples include NOFORN (not releasable to foreign nationals), REL TO (releasable to specified countries), and ORCON (dissemination controlled by originator). These appear in the banner line after the classification level.

Each slide must have banner markings at the top and bottom, and each text block, bullet point, or graphic must be portion-marked. The overall classification of the presentation must appear on the first and last slides, along with the Classification Authority Block.

When classified technology becomes obsolete and no longer threatens national security, the Original Classification Authority should declassify the information. The OCA reviews the classification to determine if it still meets the standards for classification.

The three levels are: (1) Top Secret - unauthorized disclosure could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security, (2) Secret - unauthorized disclosure could cause serious damage, and (3) Confidential - unauthorized disclosure could cause damage to national security.

Only officials specifically designated in writing by the President, Vice President, or agency heads can serve as OCAs. This authority cannot be delegated to contractors. OCAs must receive training before originally classifying information and annually thereafter.

An SCG is a document issued by an OCA that identifies the elements of information regarding a specific program, plan, weapon system, or project that must be classified. It is the primary source document for derivative classifiers to determine proper markings.

Documents containing RD or FRD require additional markings per the Atomic Energy Act. The banner must include 'RESTRICTED DATA' or 'FORMERLY RESTRICTED DATA.' If a Declassify On date appears but the document contains RD/FRD, add: 'Not applicable to RD/FRD portions.'

Classified photographs must have the overall classification marked on the front or back. If multiple images are in a series, each must be individually marked. When a photograph is an attachment to a document, the document's markings should reflect the classification of the photograph.

Classified data in information systems must have portion markings applied to individual data fields where feasible, and the system must display banner-equivalent markings when data is retrieved or displayed. The system's overall classification level must be clearly posted.

A derivative classifier must: determine the source material is properly marked, apply current classification markings based on source documents or SCGs, carry forward the most restrictive markings from all sources, and complete the Classification Authority Block with a 'Derived from' line.

If you encounter classified information that is not properly marked, protect it at the highest level you believe it could be, notify the originator or your security manager immediately, and do not attempt to mark it yourself unless you are an authorized derivative classifier with access to the source material.

Improper marking can lead to unauthorized disclosure (spills), failure to protect sensitive information, loss of classified material, security violations, administrative actions, or criminal penalties depending on the severity and circumstances.

INCOMPLETE for DoD. EO 13526 Sec. 2.1(d)'s 'at least once every 2 years' is a government-wide floor. The CDSE IF103.16 student guide states verbatim: 'Derivative Classification training is mandatory and an annual requirement. Personnel shall receive this training prior to derivatively classifying information.' For the DoD audience of this quiz the cadence is ANNUAL.