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Need to know
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2015) |
The term "need to know" (alternatively spelled need-to-know), when used by governments and other organizations (particularly those related to military[1] or intelligence[2]), describes the restriction of data which is considered very confidential and sensitive. Under need-to-know restrictions, even if one has all the necessary official approvals (such as a security clearance) to access certain information, one would not be given access to such information, or read into a clandestine operation, unless one has a specific need to know; that is, access to the information must be necessary for one to conduct one's official duties. This term also includes anyone that the people with the knowledge deemed necessary to share it with.
As with most security mechanisms, the aim is to make it difficult for unauthorized access to occur, without inconveniencing legitimate access. Need-to-know also aims to discourage "browsing" of sensitive material by limiting access to the smallest possible number of people.
- ^ "DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms: As of March 2017" (PDF). Retrieved January 2, 2025.
- ^ "Center for Development of Security Excellence, CDSE: Counterintelligence Glossary" (PDF). Retrieved January 2, 2025.
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