Which classification level includes information that is considered a security risk if disclosed?

The classification level that includes information considered a security risk if disclosed is NATO CONFIDENTIAL. This designation is used for information that, if made public, could cause damage to national security or military operations. The term "CONFIDENTIAL" specifically indicates that the information requires protection from unauthorized disclosure to maintain the security and interests of NATO member countries.

This classification ensures that sensitive information is safeguarded, balancing the need for efficiency in operations with the necessity of maintaining security protocols. Information marked as CONFIDENTIAL typically involves operational plans, strategies, or data that could reveal vulnerabilities, thus necessitating a higher level of protection compared to lower classifications.

In contrast, the other classification levels, such as NATO UNCLASSIFIED, NATO RESTRICTED, and NATO SECRET, convey different levels of sensitivity and potential impact on security if disclosed. While NATO RESTRICTED indicates that information could still present some risk if disclosed, it does not reach the level of risk associated with CONFIDENTIAL information. Similarly, NATO SECRET represents an even higher level of sensitivity, indicating that its unauthorized disclosure could cause serious damage to national security, thereby necessitating a different handling protocol.