"Top Secret" is the highest classification level in the United States government's classification system. It means that the information is considered highly sensitive and could cause "serious damage" to national security if disclosed.
So, what's higher than Top Secret? There isn't a higher classification level within the US government's standard system.
However, some organizations might use terms like "Ultra Secret" or "Special Access Program" (SAP) to refer to information that's even more sensitive than Top Secret. These terms aren't officially recognized by the US government, but they might be used within specific agencies or departments.
Here's a breakdown of the US government classification system:
- Top Secret: Information whose unauthorized disclosure could cause "exceptionally grave damage" to national security.
- Secret: Information whose unauthorized disclosure could cause "serious damage" to national security.
- Confidential: Information whose unauthorized disclosure could cause "damage" to national security.
- Unclassified: Information that doesn't require any special protection.
Beyond the government system:
- Some organizations, especially in the private sector, might have their own classification systems. These systems might use different terms and levels of classification, but they typically follow similar principles.
In short, there's no official classification level higher than Top Secret in the US government. However, some organizations might use different terms for even more sensitive information.
