Primary definition
A nonhierarchical grouping of information used to control access to data more finely than with hierarchical security classification alone.
Also known asdata compartmentalization · information compartmentalization · need-to-know principle · compartmented security
2 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 9, 2026
— Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015View source
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CNSSGC
A nonhierarchical grouping of information used to control access to data more finely than with hierarchical security classification alone.
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015 · 2024
Cite this term
Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Compartmentalization. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/compartmentalization
Sources
2 cited · last checked Aug 9, 2026
01
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
High consensus
02
The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary
Multi-source
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