There are several guidance available for marking sensitive compartmented information. The most common one is the National Information Handling Procedures which provide classification guidance for U.S. Government information. Other guidance includes the National Security Agency’s Information Assurance Directorate and the Defense Intelligence Agency’s Foreign Disclosure and Declassification Guide.
1. Introduction
There are a few things to keep in mind when marking Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). First, it is important to remember that SCI is a category of classified information, not a classification level. Second, SCI access is granted on a need-to-know basis only. This means that individuals must have a specific reason, or “need-to-know,” for having access to SCI. Lastly, SCI is to be handled in a special manner and is subject to special security controls.
When it comes to marking SCI, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, the “SCI” designation should be included in the heading of the document. Second, every page of the document should be marked with the appropriate classification level, dissemination control markings, and handling caveats. Third, the document should be physically safeguarded in accordance with applicable security procedures.
The following marking guidance is taken from the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM):
SCI Heading:
“SCI” should be included in the document heading, e.g., “SCI Control Number 345-12-3456.”
Classification Level:
The overall classification level of the document should be included in the heading, e.g., “SCI Control Number 345-12-3456, Classified Secret.”
Dissemination Control Markings:
The applicable dissemination control markings should be included in the heading, e.g., “SCI Control Number 345-12-3456, Classified Secret, XYZ.”
Handling Caveats:
The appropriate handling caveats should be included in the heading, e.g., “SCI Control Number 345-12-3456, Classified Secret, XYZ, FGI.”
Page Markings:
The appropriate classification level, dissemination control markings, and handling caveats should be included at the top and bottom of each page of the document, e.g., “Classified Secret, XYZ, FGI.”
Physical Safeguarding:
SCI documents must be physically safeguarded in accordance with applicable security
2. What is Sensitive Compartmented Information?
What is Sensitive Compartmented Information?
The term “sensitive compartmented information” (SCI) is defined in Section 4.4 of Executive Order 13526, as amended, and in Section 6.1 of DoD Manual 5200.01, Volume 3. SCI is a type of classified information that requires additional controls over who may have access to it and how it must be stored and transmitted. SCI is a controlled substance that requires special handling and is distributed on a “need-to-know” basis.
There are three categories of SCI:
1. Information that has been determined to require the highest degree of protection against compromise of national security.
2. Information that requires protection against unauthorized disclosure within the intelligence community, but not necessarily from all foreign nationals.
3. Information that requires protection against unauthorized disclosure to foreign nationals.
3. What Guidance is Available for Marking Sensitive Compartmented Information?
The United States Government classifies information into different categories, or compartments, in order to protect it from unauthorized disclosure. One of these categories is sensitive compartmented information (SCI).
SCI is a type of classified information that is subject to special handling and security procedures. Only individuals who have been cleared for SCI access and who have a need to know this information in order to perform their duties are allowed to view or handle it.
There are strict rules and procedures for handling SCI. For example, SCI information must be stored in a secure location, such as a safe, and it must be marked with the appropriate classification level.
There is also guidance available for marking SCI information. This guidance is designed to help individuals who are responsible for handling SCI to properly mark this information so that it is not inadvertently disclosed to unauthorized individuals.
The guidance for marking SCI information is contained in National Security Directive (NSD) Number 16, which is available on the website of the National Security Agency. This directive provides specific instructions for marking SCI information, including the use of specific markings, such as the ‘SCI’ designation, and the need to include a statement of the sensitivity level of the information.
NSD 16 also includes guidance on the use of security containers, security seals, and security labels for SCI information. This guidance is important for ensuring that SCI information is properly protected and that unauthorized individuals cannot access it.
4. Conclusion
There are several considerations that go into determining what guidance is available for marking sensitive compartmented information. The type of information, the sensitivity of the information, and the need to know by those who will be viewing the information are all important factors.
In general, the guidance for marking SCI is to use the most restrictive marking possible. This means that if there is any doubt about whether or not something should be marked, it should be marked. The goal is to protect the information from unauthorized disclosure.
There are four main types of markings that are typically used for SCI:
1. Restricted Data: This is the highest level of classification and is used for information that could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security if it were to be released.
2. Formerly Restricted Data: This classification is used for information that was once classified as Restricted Data but has since been downgraded.
3. Sensitive Compartmented Information: This is the second-highest level of classification and is used for information that could cause serious damage to national security if it were to be released.
4. Special Access Required: This is the third-highest level of classification and is used for information that could cause damage to national security if it were to be released.