= Classified Information = Information generated by the federal government is subject to '''classification''' by executive order. <> ---- == Definition == '''Classified''' is a term for information that has potential to damage national security. '''Unclassified''' is the inverse term. Unclassified information still needs to be cleared for public release and may be controlled as [[UnitedStates/InformationLaw/ControlledUnclassifiedInformation|CUI]]. ---- == Ranks == Classified information is organized into ranks. 1. Top Secret 2. Secret 3. Confidential The difference lies in the "expected damage" that would result from disclosure. Top secret corresponds to "exceptionally grave damage". There are additionally two ranks for unclassified information. 4.#4 Official or For Official Use Only 5. Sensitive but Unclassified (SBU) During World War 2, there was an additional rank for classified information below confidential: restricted. ---- CategoryRicottone