What does the term 'classification' refer to in the context of national security?

In the context of national security, 'classification' refers to the process of defining information as sensitive. This process involves assessing the possible impacts on national security if the information were to be disclosed and then assigning a classification level that dictates how that information should be handled and protected.

Classified information is categorized based on the degree of sensitivity, with levels such as Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. The intention behind classification is to safeguard national interests, protect the privacy and safety of individuals, and ensure that sensitive information is shared only with authorized personnel. This process is essential for maintaining national security and preventing unauthorized access to critical information.

The other choices refer to different aspects of information management rather than classification itself. For example, deleting previous classifications involves a separate process known as declassification, while sharing classified information pertains to dissemination protocols. The structure of information systems relates to the organization and management of data rather than the classification of that data.