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Responsibility for the Protection of Classified Information
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Classified Information
To ensure the highest level of state security, it is crucial to restrict access to certain information, the unauthorized disclosure of which could cause harm. For this reason, a system for the protection of classified information has been established. Its purpose is to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of such information. In cases where a breach occurs, the system must identify those responsible and address the irregularities with corrective measures.
System for the Protection of Classified Information
The system for protecting classified information is founded on several key principles, which are outlined in the Law on the Protection of Classified Information of August 5, 2010. Primarily, it states that classified information may only be disclosed to authorized individuals. Furthermore, the information must be processed under conditions that prevent unauthorized disclosure. This is aligned with regulations regarding the requirements for secret registries, ICT system security, and the handling of materials and physical security measures.
Responsibility for the Protection of Classified Information
Oversight of the protection of classified information is carried out by the Internal Security Agency (ABW) and the Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW). These agencies focus primarily on preventative actions, ensuring compliance with the regulations governing classified information and managing the security of ICT systems. Their responsibilities include conducting control procedures for individuals with access to, or seeking access to, classified information. The goal of these activities is to verify whether individuals undergoing security clearance can meet the standards necessary to protect classified information from unauthorized disclosure. Additionally, these agencies are tasked with securing classified information exchanged between Poland and other countries or international organizations.
The ABW’s role in classified information protection covers two main areas:
- Supervision of the Classified Information Protection System: This is managed by officers from the Department for the Protection of Classified Information and the Classified Information Protection Units in ABW’s regional offices.
- ICT Security: The Department of ICT Security is responsible for overseeing the security of information and communication systems.
Criminal Liability
The duty to protect classified information applies to anyone who comes into possession of such information, whether through authorized or accidental means. Any person who violates the provisions on the protection of classified information, as outlined in the Penal Code, is subject to criminal liability. Chapter XXXIII of the Penal Code specifies offenses against the protection of information, describes the acts and their consequences, and sets out the criminal penalties for committing such offenses. Depending on the classification of the information, anyone who discloses or unlawfully uses it is liable to imprisonment ranging from 3 months to 8 years.
Find out more at https://pelnomocnikochrony.pl/kompleksowa-ochrona-informacji-niejawnych/.