Which statement best describes actual compromise?

Which statement best describes actual compromise?

• A. It involves an authorized disclosure of classified information.
• B. It always results in a disclosure of information to the public.
• C. It is the same as a security violation.
• D. It has no relation to unauthorized disclosure.

Answer: (A)

Actual compromise means a real event where classified information is disclosed, affecting its confidentiality. Even if the disclosure is authorized, it still counts as an actual release of information from its controlled state, which is what “compromise” denotes in this context. This distinguishes it from a potential compromise, which is only a risk that hasn’t occurred yet, and from public disclosure, which isn’t required for an actual compromise. It isn’t necessarily a security violation, since some disclosures are permitted under authority, so the existence of an authorized disclosure doesn’t automatically imply wrongdoing. That’s why this statement best describes actual compromise.

Actual compromise means a real event where classified information is disclosed, affecting its confidentiality. Even if the disclosure is authorized, it still counts as an actual release of information from its controlled state, which is what “compromise” denotes in this context. This distinguishes it from a potential compromise, which is only a risk that hasn’t occurred yet, and from public disclosure, which isn’t required for an actual compromise. It isn’t necessarily a security violation, since some disclosures are permitted under authority, so the existence of an authorized disclosure doesn’t automatically imply wrongdoing. That’s why this statement best describes actual compromise.