Which of the following is an authorized source for derivative classification?

Which of the following is an authorized source for derivative classification?

• A. Unconfirmed source
• B. The original classified document
• C. A rumor or informal briefing
• D. A publicly available press release

Answer: (B)

When a classification decision is made for something new, you base it on information that already has an official classification. The authorized source for derivative classification is the original classified document—the material that carries the formal classification markings and the documented justification. By using that source, you ensure the new material is classified at the appropriate level with the proper handling instructions, and you can justify the designation by pointing to the original source. Relying on unconfirmed sources, rumors, informal briefings, or publicly available press releases isn’t acceptable as the basis for classification because they don’t carry official classification status and can be inaccurate or incomplete. In other words, you don’t derive classification from everyday or unverified information; you derive it from the document or source that has been formally classified.

When a classification decision is made for something new, you base it on information that already has an official classification. The authorized source for derivative classification is the original classified document—the material that carries the formal classification markings and the documented justification. By using that source, you ensure the new material is classified at the appropriate level with the proper handling instructions, and you can justify the designation by pointing to the original source.

Relying on unconfirmed sources, rumors, informal briefings, or publicly available press releases isn’t acceptable as the basis for classification because they don’t carry official classification status and can be inaccurate or incomplete. In other words, you don’t derive classification from everyday or unverified information; you derive it from the document or source that has been formally classified.