// THREAT DETECTION AND DATA PRIVACY TERM
Clearance
A security clearance is an official authorization that allows an individual to access classified government information. It is granted after a thorough background investigation to ensure the person is trustworthy and reliable.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A security clearance is a formal determination of eligibility, granted by a government adjudicative authority, allowing an individual access to classified national security information (CNSI) after a comprehensive background investigation. This authorization is tiered into levels such as Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret (TS), often with additional Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) caveats, based on the sensitivity of the data and the individual's vetted trustworthiness.
BACKGROUND
The Mitre Corporation is an American not-for-profit organization with dual headquarters in Bedford, Massachusetts, and McLean, Virginia. It manages federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) supporting various U.S. government agencies in the aviation, defense, healthcare, homeland security, and cybersecurity fields, among others.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- security clearance
- access authorization
- eligibility
- suitability determination
- adjudication
- TS/SCI
- Q clearance
USAGE NOTE
A clearance grants eligibility to access classified information, but access is only granted to individuals with a valid 'need-to-know'.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Clearance.
The primary U.S. government agency responsible for the security clearance process. DCSA is actively developing and deploying the National Background Investigation Services (NBIS), a modernized IT system designed to streamline and secure all phases of the personnel vetting process.
A major government contractor that develops and maintains IT systems supporting national security. Leidos has been a key partner in modernizing the infrastructure used for background checks and personnel security for various federal agencies.
A technology company providing expertise to U.S. government branches. CACI develops and offers solutions for background investigation case management, personnel security, and continuous evaluation to federal defense, intelligence, and civilian customers.
A software company specializing in big data analytics. Palantir's platforms, like Gotham, are used by defense and intelligence agencies to integrate and analyze disparate data sources for insider threat detection and continuous evaluation, which are critical for maintaining the integrity of the cleared workforce.
A subsidiary of Accenture that serves U.S. federal government clients. They develop and implement advanced identity management, biometric, and data analytics systems to help modernize the government's personnel vetting and continuous monitoring capabilities.
A provider of technology solutions and services for U.S. defense, intelligence, and federal civilian agencies. ManTech develops and deploys insider threat detection programs and data analytics platforms that support the continuous monitoring of cleared personnel.
A consulting firm with a major focus on defense and intelligence. The company develops and integrates technology solutions for insider threat mitigation, personnel security analytics, and identity and access management for federal agencies managing cleared populations.
A national security technology company that provides solutions to the intelligence community, Department of Defense, and federal agencies. Peraton develops systems for identity management and secure data processing that support the security clearance and personnel vetting lifecycle.