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Controlled Unclassified Information: Its Harmful Effects on Cybersecurity

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10/10/24

Mr. William Greenwalt, AEI Senior Fellow and former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Industrial Policy, briefed the group on the harmful effects that controlled unclassified information has on cybersecurity.

Greenwalt notes the complexities and challenges surrounding the U.S. government’s classification practices, particularly how excessive control over unclassified information (CUI) impacts cybersecurity efforts. The speakers discussed how overclassification of information creates barriers to innovation, collaboration, and timely technological advancements. Although the Department of Defense has taken steps to streamline these processes, issues persist due to both high-level compartmentalization and an increased focus on CUI. This overregulation hampers the ability of smaller private firms and startups to contribute effectively to national security initiatives.

Click here to view the participant list from this meeting.

Click here to read Mr. Greenwalt’s written remarks.

NPEC Session: Controlled Unclassified Information: Its Harmful Effects on Cybersecurity

*“Un Secret D’en Haut” (“A Secret on High”) by Hippolytus Alexandre Julien Moulin (French 1832-84) depicting Mercury whispering a secret to the head of Pan knowing Pan will never repeat it.

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