What is a "classification authority"?

A "classification authority" refers to an entity that has been granted the formal power to classify information according to established legal and regulatory frameworks. This typically includes government officials or agencies that possess the necessary credentials and training to assess information for its sensitivity and determine whether it should be classified as confidential, secret, or top secret.

This role is crucial in protecting national security interests, as it ensures that only qualified individuals make decisions about what information needs safeguarding based on its potential impact on security if disclosed. The correct answer highlights the importance of having a designated authority responsible for these judgments rather than leaving classification decisions to anyone uninformed or untrained.