Which data classification level follows Unclassified and precedes Secret in typical hierarchies?

Which data classification level follows Unclassified and precedes Secret in typical hierarchies?

• A. Unclassified
• B. Restricted
• C. Confidential
• D. Secret

Answer: (C)

Data classification levels determine who can access information and how it must be protected. In a common hierarchy, Unclassified is the least sensitive, followed by Confidential, then Secret, and finally Top Secret. The level that comes after Unclassified and before Secret is Confidential. It indicates information that needs more protection than Unclassified but isn’t as restricted as Secret, guiding how access is granted and how it’s handled (labeling, need-to-know access, basic protections like encryption where appropriate). While some organizations use a label like Restricted, the standard progression places Confidential between Unclassified and Secret, making Confidential the correct level.

Data classification levels determine who can access information and how it must be protected. In a common hierarchy, Unclassified is the least sensitive, followed by Confidential, then Secret, and finally Top Secret. The level that comes after Unclassified and before Secret is Confidential. It indicates information that needs more protection than Unclassified but isn’t as restricted as Secret, guiding how access is granted and how it’s handled (labeling, need-to-know access, basic protections like encryption where appropriate). While some organizations use a label like Restricted, the standard progression places Confidential between Unclassified and Secret, making Confidential the correct level.