What should be done to classify information as Top Secret?

To classify information as Top Secret, it must indeed be highly sensitive, with the potential for exceptional damage to national security if disclosed without authorization. The criteria for granting Top Secret classification are stringent, ensuring that only the most sensitive information that, if revealed, could severely harm the United States or its allies can be designated as such.

The significance of this classification level is underscored by the requirement that information needing this designation would likely cause grave harm to national security interests, such as compromising intelligence operations, capabilities, or the safety and lives of individuals. Consequently, it is vital for those making classification decisions to thoroughly assess the potential impact of unauthorized disclosures.

The other options do not align with the established criteria for Top Secret classification. For instance, reviewing information monthly, classifying solely based on external requests, or requiring only general security awareness training do not meet the stringent requirements necessary to designate information as Top Secret. Each of these alternatives lacks the necessary focus on the sensitivity and potential damage that warrant such a high classification.