What is the meaning of Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)?

Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) refers specifically to classified information concerning intelligence sources, methods, or analytical processes. This category of information is critical for national security and includes details that are restricted to certain individuals who are authorized to access this sensitive material.

The concept of compartmentalization means that this information is not only classified but also divided into specific compartments, allowing only those with the proper clearance and a need-to-know basis for access. This approach helps protect sensitive intelligence and prevents unauthorized disclosure, ensuring that only trusted individuals can access crucial information that could impact national security if mishandled.

The choices reflecting senior officer access, unclassified intelligence data, or publicly available classified data do not accurately capture the specific nature and sensitivity of SCI, which is more concerned with protecting access to critical intelligence elements than with its availability to certain ranks or the general public.