Which federal directive underlies the policies for control and safeguarding of national security information?

The correct choice identifies Executive Order 13526 as the foundational federal directive that governs the control and safeguarding of national security information. This executive order, signed in 2009, provides the framework for classifying national security information, specifying the standards and processes for determining what information requires protection and establishing guidelines for its declassification.

Key elements of Executive Order 13526 include definitions of classification levels (Top Secret, Secret, and Confidential), the responsibilities of officials in the classification process, and procedures for reviewing classified information to ensure its necessity. This order emphasizes the importance of protecting national security while also ensuring that information is not kept classified longer than necessary.

The other options, although relevant to national security and related matters, do not serve as the primary directive for the classification and safeguarding of national security information. For example, Executive Orders 13467 and 12968 address related topics such as personnel security and the suitability of individuals for access to classified information, while Executive Order 13800 focuses on strengthening the cybersecurity of federal networks and critical infrastructure. Thus, Executive Order 13526 stands out as the central authority for the management of classified information.