Under what condition may authorized access to DoD information be granted?

Authorized access to DoD information is granted primarily based on a person's employment and contractual relationship with the Department of Defense. This condition is grounded in the need to ensure that individuals accessing sensitive information have a legitimate purpose and a demonstrated need to know, which is a fundamental principle of information security.

Employment with the DoD or a contractual relationship implies that the individual has undergone appropriate vetting, training, and clearance processes relevant to their role. This vetting process is crucial as it ensures that access is not only based on trust but also on verified credentials and responsibilities in relation to the specific information being accessed.

Other conditions such as age, social connections, or geographic location do not reflect the necessary security protocols required for accessing sensitive DoD information. In fact, accessing information requires a professional context rather than personal or social factors. Therefore, the employment or contractual relationship serves as a critical gatekeeping mechanism to maintain the integrity and security of sensitive information within the DoD.