Declan McCullagh wrote:
>
> Nope, I wrote "confidential" since it was, um, confidential.
> Put another way: They weren't handing it out to reporters who asked.
Ok, I didn't say anything before, but I now have to jump in.
There are several levels of restricted information in the US:
For Official Use Only (FOUO) is the lowest level. The idea is that it's
not supposed to be widely circulated, but it's not classified as
information requiring strict control. It need not be kept under lock
and key, but isn't just thrown to the winds, either.
Confidential is the lowest level of classified information. It must be
kept under personal control, which can include keeping it under lock
and key. Confidential information can cause measurable harm to the US
if disclosed to an enemy.
Secret is the next step up. Secret information can cause serious harm
to the US if disclosed to an enemy.
Top secret is officially the highest classification level. TS
information can cause exceptionally grave harm to the US if disclosed
to an enemy. It's kept not only locked up, but locked up in secure
facilities with armed guards 24/7.
TS info is often compartmentalized, meaning that to see it you need
not only a TS clearance but authorization to that compartment.
All of these definitions are from memory from my military intelligence
classes some years ago, and so don't take them as gospel. Furthermore,
information is sometimes classified not because it represents a threat
to the US but because it might embarrass someone.
--
Steve Furlong, Computer Condottiere Have GNU, will travel
518-374-4720 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
