For your eyes only

For your eyes only

What’s in a security classification?

NATO works with sensitive information and limits access to individuals with proper security clearances. Unintended or malicious disclosure could cause damage to NATO’s forces, its members or its mission. Therefore, classified information is protected through a series of security procedures based on its markings.

There are three possible classification categories, Non-Classified, Unclassified and Classified. Non-Classified documents are either unmarked, or marked as Public, Non-Classified, or Releasable for internet transmission. In the case of Publicly Disclosed material, this is stamped on the left hand side of the document.

Material marked NATO UNCLASSIFIED is managed and owned by NATO. The first part, ‘NATO,’ refers to the ownership, while ‘UNCLASSIFIED’ is the level of security marking. Unclassified information should only be used for official purposes, and not be released without authorization nor published online. This marking can seem somewhat contradictory to those outside the organization. NATO UNCLASSIFIED can be understood as similar to copyright protection, where the information constitutes NATO’s intellectual property.

Beyond that, four levels of security classification exist: NATO RESTRICTED, NATO CONFIDENTIAL, NATO SECRET, AND COSMIC TOP SECRET.

In general, the most common security marking at NATO is Unclassified and Restricted. Confidential and Secret are less common, and the least common marking is Cosmic Top Secret. In times of tension, or during summits and ministerials, the percentage of NATO CONFIDENTIAL and NATO SECRET documents goes up. During calmer periods, like the summer holidays, or while a budget is being passed, the volume of classified information decreases.

NATO CONFIDENTIAL

Information which requires higher security protection, and whose unauthorized release would be damaging to NATO. This can include a wide range of potentially sensitive information, from production goals, force generation or economic/political analysis. Abbreviated NC.

NATO SECRET

Information which is vital to NATO interests and whose unauthorized disclosure could cause grave damage. Documents are often highly technical or wide ranging, such as intelligence material, political assessments or specification for weapons and technology. Also abbreviated NS.

COSMIC TOP SECRET

The highest level of security in the Alliance, covering only the most important information generated by NATO. Unauthorized access would result in exceptionally grave damage to NATO. Also abbreviated CTS, this information would cover only the most detailed defensive plans or other highly sensitive subjects.

NATO CLASSIFICATIONS

Prior to 1955, any classification level, from Restricted on up, could be COSMIC. Today, only Top Secret can be marked as COSMIC, but a look into older documents brings out interesting variations like COSMIC CONFIDENTIAL

Did you know?

COSMIC, although it sounds strange and secretive, is actually just a type of ownership marking that provides increased security measures. COSMIC documents are generated and managed by a COSMIC registry and has no effect on the subject or content of the information.

Espionage