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.

See also

• List of U.S. security clearance terms
• Yankee White