What role does Executive Order 13526 play in information security?

Executive Order 13526 is pivotal in information security as it specifically outlines policies for safeguarding classified information. Signed into law in 2009, the order sets the framework for the classification, declassification, and safeguarding of national security information. It establishes the standards that federal agencies must follow to protect sensitive information, ensuring that such data is properly categorized and handled to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure.

This order delineates the authority for classification, including the criteria for determining what information merits classification, the duration of that classification, and the procedures for declassification when the information is no longer sensitive. Thus, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of classified information within the Department of Defense and other federal entities.

Other options provided do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of the Executive Order. While general data handling procedures and employee training may be components of a broader information security strategy, they are not directly established by this Executive Order. The organizational structure for IT departments is also not a focus of this order, which is primarily centered on the management and protection of classified materials rather than operational or structural aspects of IT.