All of the following are steps in derivative classification except:

All of the following are steps in derivative classification EXCEPT:

A. Determining whether information has been clas sified previously.

B. Carrying forward that determination into new material.

C. Making the initial determination that information requires protection against unauthorized disclosure in the interest of national security.

D. Marking the information to show its classified status.

Answer:- C. Making the initial determination that information requires protection against unauthorized disclosure in the interest of national security.

Derivative classification is the act of using already classified information by incorporating it, paraphrasing or restating and generating new form thereof with compliance to marking on source material.

The steps in derivative classification are:

In option A, classifying information – adding or removing classifications. This involves looking at source material to check for any sensitive information that should be reproduced in the new materials where necessary.

In option B, carrying forward such a determination into any new material – This includes copying classified information from the source and pasting it in another document, file or similar.

In option D, notation of the information to reveal its nature as classified – This includes identifying the classification level and any other annotations, including handling caveats where applicable, on the new information.

As part of original classification, the embraced step is option C. The preliminary assessment that information needs protection against unauthorized disclosure – is not included in derivative classifications. Original classification refers to the first decision by an original classifying authority that a piece of information needs protection because unauthorized disclosure may lead to damages in national security.

Thus in general, the act of determining whether information is classified represents original classification rather than derivative . Derivative classification steps concern implementing existing classifications, not drawing of new ones.