What is the appropriate classification level if SECRET information appears on a document?

The classification level of SECRET indicates that the unauthorized disclosure of the information would cause serious damage to national security. When a document is marked as SECRET, it is explicitly signifying that the information contained within it meets the criteria for that classification level. Therefore, if SECRET information is present, it must be treated as such, adhering to established protocols for handling, sharing, and storing that classified information.

In this context, it’s important to recognize that information classified at this level is subject to specific controls and safeguards to prevent unauthorized access. Identifying and marking the document correctly as SECRET ensures compliance with classification guidelines, providing clarity on how that information must be managed to protect national security interests.