Computer Security

Course Information

Purpose Provide a thorough understanding of the responsibilities associated with derivative classification and the procedures to follow to correctly derivatively classify documents.

Audience Military, civilian, and contractor personnel responsible for oversight or application of derivative classification.

POC [email protected] Pass/Fail % 75%

Estimated completion time

120 minutes

Course Overview

In the course of working with classified information, individuals sometimes generate or create new documents and materials based on that information. These individuals are responsible for maintaining the protection of that classified information. These individuals are called derivative classifiers. They must carefully analyze their work product to determine what classified information it contains or reveals, and evaluate that information against official classification guidance.

Based on that evaluation, derivative classifiers must ensure that the information in the new material is identified as classified by applying the appropriate markings to the material. This process of determining whether information has been previously classified and properly marking it is called derivative classification.

Derivative classifiers need to understand what their responsibilities are, what processes to follow, and what resources to consult to safeguard information that, if revealed, could cause damage to the national security.

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Derivative Classification Course Introduction

Student Guide

Course Objectives

• Identify the responsibilities associated with derivatively classifying information

• Identify the process and methods for derivatively classifying information

• Identify authorized sources to use when derivatively classifying information

• Applying authorized sources, derivatively classify information based on the concepts of “contained in,” “revealed by,” and “compilation”

Lessons in the Course

• Course Introduction

• Derivative Classification Basics

• Classification Concepts

• Practical Exercise

• Course Conclusion

Page 2

Student Guide

Course: Derivative Classification

Lesson: Derivative Classification Basics

Introduction

Because protecting classified information from improper disclosure is so critical, there are responsibilities and procedures to follow when using classified information to create new documentation. You must be familiar with these responsibilities and procedures as well as where to go for guidance so you can successfully implement and execute them at your activity or facility.

Lesson Objectives

• Define derivative classification

• Identify the requirement for and importance of derivative classification

• Identify who will have derivative classification responsibilities and the requirements he or she must meet

• Identify the steps involved in the derivative classification process

• Identify authorized sources to use when derivatively classifying information

Derivative Classification Overview

1. What is Derivative Classification?

The initial decision about what information should be classified is called original classification. Because this is a very important, sensitive decision, the Government has granted only a limited number of government officials the authority to perform original classification.

Derivative classification is different. It is the process of using existing classified information to create new material, and marking that newly-developed material consistent with the classification markings that apply to the source information. Copying or duplicating existing classified information is not derivative classification.

Whereas only authorized government officials can perform original classification, no specific delegation of authority is required to be a derivative classifier. In fact, all cleared DoD and authorized contractor personnel who generate or create material from classified sources are derivative classifiers.

Like original classification, derivative classification has far-reaching effects on the Department of Defense and industry. Classifying information helps protect our national security. It limits access to only those individuals with the appropriate clearance level

Derivative Classification Derivative Classification Basics

Student Guide

and a legitimate need to know the information. Classification also impacts resources; it imposes costs for things like security clearances, physical security measures, and countermeasures. Because of the importance of classification, but also its inherent limitations and costs, it is crucial that derivative classifiers follow appropriate procedures and observe all requirements.