Which of the Following Is Not an Example of CUI? – A Detailed Guide!

Before we can learn, which is not an example of CUI, it’s essential to understand what Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is. 

So, it’s like being a secret agent of information protection! CUI is an essential category of Information that requires protection and control, such as sensitive data like personal identifying information, financial data, and proprietary business information.  Anything that is not sensitive or confidential is not considered CUI. 

If you’re wondering which of the following is not an example of CUI, this article is a must-read! We’ve packed this post with all the information you need about CUI to help you become a pro at handling it.

Which of the Following is Not an Example of CUI?

Have you ever participated in a cyber awareness program or exam and encountered this question? If so, you’re not alone. CUI is a term used to refer to certain types of Information that require protection and control when handling or disseminating them.

The answer to the question “which of the following is not an example of CUI?” is Press Releases. They’re already public, so they don’t need extra protection. But CUI is still important – it requires careful handling to protect national security, individual privacy, and business interests.

Let’s dig deeper to learn the answer to some other common questions. Let’s find out.

What is CUI and Its History

Have you heard of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)? It’s a term the U.S. government uses to describe sensitive but unclassified Information that needs to be protected. 

CUI refers to data that was developed by or belongs to the government and must be protected from disclosure by established guidelines. However, it is not considered corporate intellectual property.

Once known as “for official use only” and “sensitive but unclassified,” CUI didn’t even have the “CUI” moniker until 2010. Moreover, there were no universal standards for evaluating CUI, so one organization may categorize material as highly sensitive while another would handle it as less so.

Non-classified material that poses a danger to national security falls under one of ten categories established by Executive Order 13556 issued in November 2010. The plan was to develop a standard procedure for storing and sharing CUI. 

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) issued the Final Rule in 2016 to aid in carrying out Executive Order 13556 and to promote uniformity in the evaluation of CUI.

Do you know how many categories of CUI are? There are two distinct categories of CUI, namely the basic and specified varieties. Based on the Federal Information Systems Modernization Act (FISMA), the Basic CUI is classified as having reasonable restrictions over its management and distribution.

Categories of government agencies that fall under CUI include those dealing with agriculture, law, transportation, money, taxes, and immigration.

What Is the Purpose of Establishing CUI?

Why do we need CUI? The answer is simple: to keep important information from getting out into the public that could be harmful to people or it may hurt them. 

Agencies are responsible for identifying what data constitutes CUI, but the actual effort lies in developing internal rules and processes for managing and preserving this kind of Information. 

It’s like installing a security system in your home: you want to ensure your valuables are safe from people you don’t want to see like thieves.

What Are Some Examples That May Be Designated as CUI?

We use Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) to describe certain types of sensitive but unclassified information requiring some control and protection. Examples of Information that may be designated as CUI related to law enforcement investigations, Personal Information about individuals, intellectual property, and many other secrets.

1. Law enforcement information is often collected to identify people and organizations involved in criminal or illegal activities. 
2. Privacy act information according to the Privacy Act of 1974, “Personally Identifiable Information” is Information about an identifiable individual that is collected, utilized, or retained by a government agency.
3. Personal Information, which is all about a person’s identity, such as their name, address, phone number, Social Security number, or bank account, is considered personal Information.
4.  Critical infrastructure information The term “critical infrastructure information” describes data about systems, assets, or networks necessary for the proper operation of a society or economy. These are examples of energy, transportation, and information networks. 
5. Trade secrets, often known as private knowledge or business tactics, provide one corporation an edge over its rivals. Patents, trademarks, and copyrights are only a few examples of intellectual property laws protecting authors’ and inventors’ rights to their original works and creations.
6. Intellectual security information may include Information that is essential to the U.S. government or may cause damage if revealed to the public but does not fulfill the standards for classification as CUI protects classified national security information.

Designating Information as CUI and creating rules and procedures for managing and safeguarding CUI within their organizations is within the purview of the respective agencies.

The CUI program aims to standardize how sensitive but unclassified data is managed across federal agencies. Because of this, less effort is required by government agencies to create their systems for protecting sensitive data from theft, misuse, or exposure.

What Kinds of Benefits Does the CUI Program Provide to Federal Agencies?

If you are working in Federal agencies, you must know how the CUI program would be helpful for you. The Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Program is an initiative developed to assist federal agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in protecting sensitive Information that is not classified.

The CUI Program offers agencies a standardized structure to follow while managing CUI and ensuring its protection. There is also material that does not fit the standards for classification as classified national security information but is nevertheless essential to the U.S. government or may be damaging if given to the public.

The CUI Program assists federal agencies in ensuring that sensitive Information is handled in a standardized manner and a safe way throughout the government by providing a common framework for managing and protecting CUI.

As a result, sensitive Information is less likely to be compromised or leaked. This is how you can get benefits from the CUI program. 

How Can We Protect CUI – Best Ways

Controlled Unclassified Information may be protected in various ways, and federal agencies have several options available to them (CUI). Such instances are as follows:

1. Ensuring that CUI is Accurately Classified

CUI should be categorized according to the sensitivity of the Information and the probable repercussions of unlawful access, use, or disclosure of the Information. This will assist in ensuring that suitable safeguards to secure the Information are implemented.

2. Organize your Organization Using Rules and Regulations

The processing and protection of CUI should be governed by rules and procedures that the agencies should establish. These may contain recommendations for accessing, storing, transmitting, and removing CUI.

3. Ensure the Safety of all Communications and Data Storage

The CUI should only be sent and saved through encrypted channels, such as email or platforms for sharing and storing files. The use of physical restrictions, such as locked cabinets and locations with limited access, should also be considered as an option for protecting CUI by government agencies.

4. Educate Current Staff Members

Training should be provided to employees about the necessity of safeguarding CUI and the agency’s rules and processes for dealing with CUI. Because of this, it will be easier to guarantee that staff are aware of their obligations and can take the proper precautions to preserve the Information.

5. Establish Technological Controls

CUI may be protected against illegal access or manipulation using technical controls like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access restrictions.

The danger of data breaches and other security events may be mitigated, and the security of CUI can be improved if federal agencies adhere to these and other best practices.

Final Words: Which of the Following is Not an Example of CUI?

We hope this article finds the answer to which of the following is not an example of CUI. You are now aware of what confidential user identifiers (CUIs) are and the different kinds of Information included in CUI.

If you ever see the question, “which of the following is not an example of CUI?” The answer is Press Release. You know why, as we have already explained them to you. 

If you have any further inquiries concerning this topic, please do not hesitate to ask them in the comments section below. Additionally, we will be delighted to be of assistance to you!

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