The Ultimate Guide to What is NOT Considered Controlled Unclassified Information

Introduction

In the world of data security, there are terms like “classified information,” “sensitive information,” and “controlled unclassified information” that get thrown around quite often. However, not everything that pertains to a business or organization is sensitive or controlled. Understanding what is NOT considered controlled unclassified information (CUI) can significantly enhance the way an organization handles its data. In this article, we will explore what CUI is and what it is not.

What is Controlled Unclassified Information?

Before delving into what is not considered CUI, let’s first define what it is. CUI is data that has some level of control over it but does not meet the definition of classified information. It includes information that is critical to the security or defense of a country, but the US government does not consider classified. This type of data can only be accessed by authorized personnel who have been granted clearance.

What is NOT Considered Controlled Unclassified Information?

Now that we have a better understanding of what CUI is let’s explore what is NOT considered CUI.

Public Information

One of the things that are not considered CUI is public information. This includes information that is already in the public domain and accessible to anyone. For instance, information about a company’s business operations that are posted on its website for the public to see is not CUI. Information in public records or newspaper articles is also not CUI.

Personal Information

Personal information such as an individual’s name, phone number, home address, or email address is not considered CUI, unless it’s specifically related to the individual’s security clearance. In some instances, identifiable information about individual employees, such as their job title, salary, or performance evaluations, may be considered CUI if it’s critical to the organization’s operations or security.

Information not Critical to the Organization’s Operations

Information that is not crucial to the organization’s operations, despite being sensitive, is not considered CUI. For example, information in emails and other communications, such as jokes, friendly banter, or opinions, may be sensitive but does not qualify as CUI.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing what is not considered controlled unclassified information can help businesses better understand the types of data that warrant extra security measures. Public information, personal information, and non-critical organization information are just a few types of information that fall outside the scope of CUI. As businesses continue to collect and store large amounts of data, it’s crucial to know what types of data are classified and require heightened security measures and what types do not.