CUI, or Controlled Unclassified Information, refers to a category of sensitive information that is not classified as national security information but is still subject to certain controls and restrictions on its handling, storage, and dissemination. This type of information is designated by the U.S. government as requiring protection from unauthorized access, but it does not meet the criteria for classified national security information.
Definition and Scope of CUI
The Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) program was established by Executive Order 13556 in 2010 to standardize the way the U.S. government handles sensitive but unclassified information. CUI includes a wide range of information types, such as financial, legal, medical, and technical data, as well as information related to critical infrastructure, research and development, and law enforcement. The CUI program aims to ensure that this information is properly safeguarded and only shared with authorized individuals and organizations on a need-to-know basis.
CUI Categories and Subcategories
CUI is categorized into several broad areas, including:
- Law Enforcement: Information related to law enforcement activities, such as investigative files, surveillance data, and intelligence reports.
- Critical Infrastructure: Information related to the security and resilience of critical infrastructure, such as power plants, transportation systems, and communication networks.
- Financial: Information related to financial transactions, budgets, and other financial data that could be sensitive or confidential.
- Medical: Information related to medical research, patient data, and public health activities.
Each of these categories has subcategories that further define the specific types of information that are considered CUI.
| CUI Category | CUI Subcategory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Law Enforcement | Investigative Files | Information related to ongoing investigations, including suspect identities, witness statements, and evidence. |
| Critical Infrastructure | Security Plans | Information related to the security measures in place to protect critical infrastructure, including access controls, surveillance systems, and emergency response plans. |
| Financial | Contract Pricing | Information related to the pricing of government contracts, including proprietary business information and trade secrets. |
CUI Handling and Protection Requirements
Handling and protecting CUI requires strict adherence to established guidelines and procedures. This includes:
- Marking and labeling: CUI must be clearly marked and labeled to indicate its status as controlled information.
- Access controls: Access to CUI must be restricted to authorized individuals and organizations, using measures such as passwords, encryption, and physical security controls.
- Storage and transmission: CUI must be stored and transmitted securely, using approved methods and media, such as encrypted email and secure file transfer protocols.
- Training and awareness: Individuals who handle CUI must receive training and awareness on the proper handling and protection of this information.
Agencies and organizations that handle CUI must also establish procedures for reporting and responding to security incidents, such as unauthorized disclosures or breaches.
CUI Implementation Challenges
Implementing the CUI program has presented several challenges, including:
- Standardization: Ensuring consistency in the way CUI is designated, marked, and protected across different agencies and organizations.
- Education and training: Providing adequate education and training to individuals who handle CUI, to ensure they understand the requirements and procedures for handling this information.
- Resource constraints: Allocating sufficient resources, including funding and personnel, to support the implementation and maintenance of the CUI program.
Despite these challenges, the CUI program has made significant progress in standardizing the way the U.S. government handles sensitive but unclassified information.
What is the purpose of the CUI program?
+The CUI program is designed to standardize the way the U.S. government handles sensitive but unclassified information, ensuring that this information is properly safeguarded and only shared with authorized individuals and organizations on a need-to-know basis.
What types of information are considered CUI?
+CUI includes a wide range of information types, such as financial, legal, medical, and technical data, as well as information related to critical infrastructure, research and development, and law enforcement.
