Derivative Classification 2 Practice Test

When a derivative is created from sources at different classification levels, the overall classification is driven by the most restrictive source. That means the derivative must be reclassified to the highest level represented and access restricted to those who have that level of clearance (and the necessary need-to-know). This protects the entire derivative from being disclosed more than allowed by the most sensitive source it contains. Distributing at the lower level would create a risk of exposing information at a higher level than allowed, which is why that approach is not appropriate. Creating separate copies for each level would complicate safeguarding and could lead to misallocation or leakage. Sharing only the portion common to all sources would omit legitimate, potentially sensitive information unique to higher-level sources, undermining the integrity of the derivative. The correct approach keeps the derivative as the highest level and controls access accordingly.