Need to know

The term "need to know" (alternatively spelled need-to-know), when used by <a href="/facts/Government/N4bYL0VC">governments</a> and other organizations (particularly those related to <a href="/facts/Military/kgNmLUnN">military</a> or <a href="/facts/Strategic_intelligence/lmmaaSMy">intelligence</a>), describes the restriction of data which is considered very <a href="/facts/Confidential/JFMubsQm">confidential</a> and <a href="/facts/Sensitive_information/SIXG9mCI">sensitive</a>. Under need-to-know restrictions, even if one has all the necessary official approvals (such as a <a href="/facts/Security_clearance/d34w9Ksj">security clearance</a>) to access certain information, one would not be given access to such information, or read into a <a href="/facts/Clandestine_operation/F0jEfqFm">clandestine operation</a>, unless one has a specific need to know; that is, access to the information must be necessary for one to conduct one's official duties. This term also includes anyone with whom the people with the knowledge deem necessary to share it.
As with most security mechanisms, the aim is to make it difficult for unauthorized access to occur, without inconveniencing legitimate access. Need-to-know also aims to discourage "<a href="/facts/Browsing/cXxs5jsD">browsing</a>" of sensitive material by limiting access to the smallest possible number of people.

Need to know open-in-new

Need to know