Definition
Access to classified information is
| “ | [t]he ability and opportunity to obtain knowledge of classified information. Persons have access to classified information if they are permitted to gain knowledge of the information or if they are in a place where they would be expected to gain such knowledge. Persons do not have access to classified information by being in a place where classified information is kept if security measures prevent them from gaining knowledge of the information.[1] | ” |
Overview
As stated in Executive Order 13526, a person may have access to classified information provided that:
- A favorable determination of eligibility for access has been made by an agency head or the agency head's designee (i.e., the person has been granted an appropriate security clearance);
- The person has signed an approved non-disclosure agreement; and
- The person has a need-to-know the information.
References
Source
- "Overview" section: U.S. National Intelligence: An Overview 2011, at 62.</ref>}}