In terms of classified information, what is a 'cleared personnel'?

A 'cleared personnel' refers specifically to an individual who has undergone the necessary background checks and assessments and has been granted security clearance. This clearance allows them to access and handle classified information that is sensitive to national security or other critical areas.

The process for becoming cleared usually involves extensive vetting, including investigations into the individual's criminal history, credit history, and close relationships to determine their trustworthiness and reliability. Only those who pass these checks and meet the established criteria for handling classified materials are considered cleared personnel.

In contrast, the other options describe individuals who do not have the appropriate clearance. For instance, someone without security clearance is not authorized to access any classified information, while a regular employee trained in information security may possess valuable skills but still lack authorization for classified access. Similarly, a temporary staff member with limited access typically cannot engage with classified data unless they also hold security clearance, which is not indicated in that description. Thus, the key difference lies in the specific authorization and vetting that defines cleared personnel.