Who must initially determine the level of damage if unauthorized disclosure occurs?

The Original Classification Authority (OCA) is responsible for determining the level of damage in the event of unauthorized disclosure. This aligns with the principles established in information security frameworks, where the OCA is designated as the individual who possesses the knowledge and authority to classify information correctly. Since this person has the expertise about the sensitivity and compartmentalization of the information, they are ideally positioned to assess the potential impact of its unauthorized release.

The OCA's role includes evaluating the type of information disclosed, the context of the situation, and the potential consequences of the disclosure. In this way, they ensure that any assessment made regarding the damage level is based on a comprehensive understanding of the classified material.

In comparison, while the Security Manager, Facility Security Officer, and Legal Department have crucial roles in the overall security and compliance framework, they do not have the specific authority granted to the OCA regarding classification matters. Their functions may involve enforcing policies or handling legal implications, but the initial damage determination rests squarely with the Original Classification Authority due to their designated responsibilities in classification decisions.