What is a security clearance?

A security clearance is an official determination that an individual is eligible for access to classified information. This classification process involves a thorough background check and evaluation of the individual's character, behavior, and allegiance to ensure that they can be trusted with sensitive information.

This determination is critical to national security, as it protects sensitive data from being disclosed or misused by individuals who may pose a risk due to their past or present behavior. The clearance process is governed by established procedures that assess not only the personal trustworthiness of the individual but also their financial, legal, and psychological stability, among other factors.

In contrast, a temporary authorization does not provide the same level of scrutiny or trustworthiness associated with a full security clearance. Rather, it allows limited access under specific circumstances. Clearances granted solely to contractors would not encompass the broader scope of who can obtain a security clearance, and an informal agreement does not carry the weight or regulatory oversight that comes with formal assessments necessary for a security clearance. Therefore, option B correctly defines the significance and purpose of a security clearance in the context of personnel security.