D.2.3 - Catastrophic defense

Catastrophic Defense involves the development of technological countermeasures (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear [CBRN]) to terrorist threats, conducting laboratory testing on new and promising devices, and conducting basic and applied science that can lead to the development of countermeasures.

Under the provisions of Executive Order 13292, some antiterrorism information is subject to security classification. National security information is outside the scope of this guideline. The recommended categorization for unclassified antiterrorism information follows:

Security category

D.2.3 - Catastrophic defense = {(confidentiality, High), (integrity, High), (availability, High)}

Confidentiality High

The confidentiality impact level is the effect of unauthorized disclosure of catastrophic defense information on the ability of responsible agencies to monitor and assess the leadership, motivations, plans, and intentions of foreign and domestic terrorist groups and their state and non-state sponsors. The effects of unauthorized disclosure of this information can reasonably be expected to jeopardize fulfillment of catastrophic defense missions. The consequent threat to human life, critical infrastructures, and key national assets can be catastrophic. Recommended Confidentiality Impact Level: The provisional confidentiality impact level recommended for catastrophic defense information is normally high.

Integrity High

The integrity impact level is based on the specific mission and the data supporting that mission, not on the time required to detect the modification or destruction of information. Unauthorized modification or destruction of information affecting catastrophic defense activities may adversely affect mission operations in a manner that results in loss of human life, unacceptable damage to critical infrastructures, and/or damage to or loss of key national assets. Recommended Integrity Impact Level: The provisional integrity impact level recommended for catastrophic defense information is high.

Availability High

The effects of disruption of access to or use of catastrophic defense information or The availability impact level is based on the specific mission and the data supporting that mission, not on the time required to re-establish access to catastrophic defense information. Generally, disruption of access will have a severe adverse effect on agency operations (including mission functions and public confidence in the agency), agency assets, or individuals. Also, catastrophic defense missions are not tolerant of delays, with consequences of significant degradation in mission capability and resultant catastrophic consequences for human life, critical infrastructures, and/or key national assets. Recommended Availability Impact Level: The provisional availability impact level recommended for catastrophic defense information is high.