Should classified and unclassified systems be connected together?

The rationale for the position that classified and unclassified systems should never be connected lies in the fundamental principles of information security and risk management. Connecting these two types of systems creates significant vulnerabilities, as it can serve as a pathway for unauthorized access to classified information.

When classified and unclassified systems are interconnected, there is a risk of inadvertently exposing classified data to lower security environments. This could occur through various means, such as data leaks, malware, or human error. The integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information would be compromised if anyone could potentially access classified information directly or indirectly through unclassified systems.

Additionally, the breach of separation between classified and unclassified systems can lead to severe consequences, including national security risks, loss of sensitive operational capability, and accountability issues within organizations handling classified information. Therefore, maintaining a strict separation between these systems is essential to safeguard sensitive information and uphold security protocols that are critical in environments dealing with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).