What is "unauthorized disclosure" concerning security clearances?

The concept of "unauthorized disclosure" in the context of security clearances refers specifically to the act of sharing classified information without proper authorization. This means that an individual who is privy to classified information does not have the necessary permissions or credentials to disseminate that information to others. This can encompass various scenarios, such as discussing sensitive details with someone who lacks clearance or distributing documents without the required approvals.

The emphasis is on the lack of authorization, which is critical because security clearances are designed to ensure that individuals only access and share information appropriate to their level of clearance and the authorization granted to them. This measure is crucial for maintaining national security and protecting sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.

Though options like releasing information to the media, discussing sensitive information in public, or failing to secure documents may also pose risks to security, they do not fully capture the definition of unauthorized disclosure. Each of those scenarios involves security risks, but they lack the precise focus on the absence of authorization that defines unauthorized disclosure. Thus, the clarity and specificity of option B align perfectly with the formal understanding of this term within the personnel security discipline.