Information Security Oversight Office
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| Information Security Oversight Office | |
|---|---|
| ISOO | |
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | December 1, 1978 |
| Preceding agency | Interagency Classification Review Committee |
| Jurisdiction | Federal government of the United States |
| Headquarters | 700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. |
| Parent agency | National Archives and Records Administration |
| Key document | Classified National Security Information PDF |
| Website | |
| www.archives.gov/isoo | |
The Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) is responsible to the President for policy and oversight of the Government-wide security classification system and the national Industrial Security Program. The ISOO receives authority from:
- Executive Order 12958, as amended "Classified National Security Information" PDF
- Executive Order 12829, as amended "National Industrial Security Program" PDF
The ISOO is a component of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and receives policy and program guidance from the National Security Council (NSC).
[edit] History
President Jimmy Carter established the ISOO with the signing of Executive Order 12065, "National Security Information," on December 1, 1978. The ISOO replaced the Interagency Classification Review Committee (ICRC) which was created by Executive Order 11652, "Classification and Declassification of National Security Information and Material," issued by President Richard Nixon in 1972. The ICRC was composed of representatives from the Departments of Defense, Justice and State, the predecessor to the United States Department of Energy, the Atomic Energy Commission, and the Central Intelligence Agency. John Eisenhower chaired the ICRC, which met monthly at the White House. When Mr. Eisenhower resigned in 1973, the administrative function of the ICRC was moved to the then National Archives and Records Service, a component of the General Services Administration, with the Archivist of the United States, James Rhodes, named as acting chairman. William L. Brown, an attorney with the Atomic Energy Commission, was appointed Executive Director in October 1973 and served until December, 1975. The committee continued to meet monthly in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. Former Congressman Michael Blouin from Iowa served as the first Director of ISOO. When Mr. Blouin stepped down in 1980, President Carter appointed Steven Garfinkel as ISOO's second Director. Mr. Garfinkel served as Director until his retirement in January 2002. Then in May 2002, President Bush appointed J. William Leonard as Director. In January 2008 J. William Leonard retired after 34 years of service.William J. Bosanko was appointed Director on April 16, 2008.
[edit] Government openness and public access
The ISOO strives to provide for an informed American public by ensuring that the minimum information necessary to the interest of national security is classified and that information is declassified as soon as it no longer requires protection. This is carefully balanced by the imperative to hold certain information in confidence in order to protect from harm America's citizens, its democratic institutions, and its participation in the community of nations.
[edit] ISOO Components
[edit] The Classification Management Staff
Develops security classification policies for classifying, declassifying and safeguarding national security information generated in Government and industry.
[edit] The Operations Staff
Evaluates the effectiveness of the security classification programs established by Government and industry to protect information vital to our national security interests.
[edit] The Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Office
Develops standardized CUI policies and procedures that appropriately protect sensitive information through effective data access and control measures.
[edit] ISOO's Mission, Functions, and Goals
[edit] Mission
An open society in which an American public is informed by a free flow of information and holds our government accountable is a defining factor of our democracy. Similarly, our ability to share and leverage information is the source of power and might in the 21st century. This must be balanced by the imperative to hold certain information in confidence in order to protect from harm our citizens, our democratic institutions, and our participation in the community of nations. ISOO ensures the development and application and preserves the integrity of risk-based frameworks in government and industry, which balance the disclosure, sharing and protection of information related to the national security. Under Executive Order 12958, as amended, and Executive Order 12829, as amended, ISOO oversees the security classification programs in both Government and industry and reports annually to the President on their status. We monitor approximately 65 executive branch departments, independent agencies and offices, and their major components.
[edit] Functions
[edit] Implementing Directives, Instruction and Regulations
The ISOO develops, coordinates and issues implementing directives and instructions regarding Executive Order 12958, as amended, and Executive Order 12829, as amended, Order 12829, that are binding on executive branch agencies. The ISOO also reviews and approves the implementing regulations issued by the agencies.
[edit] Liaison, Inspections and General Oversight
The ISOO's analysts maintain continuous liaison with their agency counterparts on all matters relating to the Government-wide security classification program and the National Industrial Security Program. The ISOO also conducts on-site inspections and special classified document reviews to monitor agency compliance with the Order.
[edit] Security Education and Training
In addition to monitoring each agency's security education and training program, the ISOO develops and disseminates security education materials for Government and industry. The ISOO's most popular training tools include its Marking Booklet and the Standard Form 312 Briefing Booklet PDF.
[edit] Complaints, Appeals and Suggestions
The ISOO receives and takes action on complaints, appeals, and suggestions from persons inside or outside the executive branch regarding any aspect of the administration of Executive Order 12958, as amended, and Executive Order 12829, as amended.
[edit] Statistical Collection, Analysis and Reporting
Each year, the ISOO gathers relevant statistical data regarding each agency's security classification program. The ISOO analyzes these data and reports them, along with other relevant information, in its Annual Report to the President. Copies of ISOO Annual Reports are available upon request or for download at the ISOO's section for Reports.
[edit] Spokesperson for the Government's Security Classification Program
The Director of ISOO serves as the Government's spokesperson to Congress, the media, special interest groups, professional organizations, and the public on matters related to the security classification program.
[edit] Special Studies and Projects
The ISOO conducts special studies on identified or potential problem areas and develops remedial approaches for program improvement. The ISOO also develops and issues standardized security forms designed to promote uniform implementation of the program and to reduce costs by eliminating duplication.
[edit] Policy Changes
The ISOO recommends policy changes to the President through the National Security Council. As appropriate, the ISOO convenes and chairs interagency meetings to discuss matters, including possible policy changes, pertaining to the security classification program.
[edit] Goals
- Promote and enhance the system that protects the national security information that safeguards the American government and its people.
- Provide for an informed American public by ensuring that the minimum information necessary to the interest of national security is classified and that information is declassified as soon as it no longer requires protection.
- Promote and enhance concepts that facilitate the sharing of information in the fulfillment of mission-critical functions related to national security.
- Provides expert advice and guidance pertinent to the principles of information security.
[edit] Annual Reports
| 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 |
| 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990 |
| 1989 | 1988 | 1987 | 1986 | 1985 | 1984 | 1983 | 1982 | 1980 - 1981 |
[edit] Policy Documents
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Executive Order 12958, as amended | prescribes a uniform system for classifying, safeguarding, and declassifying national security information, including information relating to defense against transnational terrorism. |
| ISOO Directive No. 1 | sets forth guidance to agencies on original and derivative classification, downgrading, declassification, and safeguarding of classified national security information. |
| ISOO Directive No. 1, Appendix A | describes the procedures to be followed by individuals or organizations who wish to bring matters before the Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel (ISCAP), and the procedures that the ISCAP will follow to resolve these matters. |
| Executive Order 12829, as amended | establishes a National Industrial Security Program to safeguard Federal Government classified information that is released to contractors, licensees, and grantees of the United States Government. |
| National Industrial Security Program (NISP) implementing order | safeguards Federal Government classified information that is released to contractors, licensees, and grantees of the United States Government. |
[edit] Notices
On September 30, 2008, the Director of the Information Security Oversight Office advised Federal agencies that ISOO would begin to issue ISOO Notices covering aspects of the classification, safeguarding, and declassification programs administered under Executive Order 12958, as amended and its implementing directive, 32 C.F.R. 2001. These ISOO Notices will seek to improve the classified national security information programs of Federal agencies by disseminating and providing consistent guidance to Federal agencies.
Each ISOO Notice will focus on a single topic related to classification, safeguarding, or declassification.
[edit] See also
- National Archives and Records Administration
- Public Interest Declassification Board
- The Controlled Unclassified Information
- Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel
