What process involves making the initial decision regarding the potential national security impact of sensitive information?

The process that involves making the initial decision regarding the potential national security impact of sensitive information is known as original classification. This is a fundamental step in information security within the Department of Defense, where an authorized individual evaluates whether specific information requires protection due to its potential impact on national security.

Original classification determines whether information is classified as Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret, based on the level of harm its unauthorized disclosure could cause to national security interests. This initial classification is critical because it establishes the handling and access controls necessary to safeguard sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access or leaks.

Other processes, such as classification review, are generally concerned with reviewing previously classified information to assess whether it should remain classified or if it can be declassified. Security assessments evaluate broader security measures and practices rather than making individual classification decisions. Information categorization refers to organizing data based on predefined criteria, which does not specifically pertain to the evaluation of national security impact.