How does the need-to-know concept affect SCI access?

• A. Access is granted to anyone with clearance
• B. Access is restricted to individuals who require the information to perform duties
• C. Access is restricted by random assignment
• D. It applies only to digital files

Answer: (B)

Need-to-know means that simply holding a security clearance isn’t enough to access SCI. Access is limited to individuals who actually need the information to perform their official duties. This keeps sensitive information within the smallest possible circle and supports the principle of least privilege—people see only what they must to do their job, nothing more. So even someone with the proper clearance won’t get access unless there is a defined need related to their duties. The other ideas don’t fit: access isn’t granted just because someone has clearance, it isn’t decided by random assignment, and need-to-know applies to both physical materials and digital information, not just digital files.