When deriving information from a single document, what does the "Classified By" line indicate?

The "Classified By" line in a document indicates the original classification authority who created the source document. This is critical because it establishes who is responsible for the classification decision, ensuring accountability and traceability for the classified information. The person identified in this line holds the authority to classify the document based on the applicable regulations and criteria, which can vary depending on the sensitivity of the information contained within.

This classification authority is typically someone in a supervisory or managerial role who has been granted the power to make decisions about information security. In practice, identifying the original classification authority helps in maintaining the integrity of the classification system and facilitates the proper review and declassification processes that may occur later.

Understanding this concept is essential for anyone working with classified information, as it ensures that all personnel adhere to established procedures for handling such sensitive materials according to the authority designated in the document.