Security clearance

A security clearance is a status granted individuals, typically members of the military and employees of governments and their contractors, allowing them access to classified information, i.e. state secrets. The term "security clearance " is also sometimes used in private organizations that have a formal process to vet employees for access to sensitive information. A clearance by itself is normally not sufficient to gain access; the organization must determine that the cleared individual has a "need to know" the information. No one is supposed to be granted access to classified information solely because of rank, position, or a security clearance.

Individuals who have had security clearances revoked

In the post World War II era there have been several highly publicized, and often controversial, cases of government officials having their security clearances revoked. These officials include:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• Robert Oppenheimer
• Wen Ho Lee
• John M. Deutch
• Sandy Berger