What defines Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)?

Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) is defined specifically as classified national intelligence information that is restricted to a specific category for access and needs to be protected due to its sensitivity. This classification is necessary because SCI pertains to information that, if disclosed, could jeopardize national security interests or highlight vulnerabilities in intelligence operations.

The nature of SCI requires that only individuals with the appropriate clearance and a specific need to know are granted access to this information, ensuring an added layer of secrecy and protection for the material that is crucial for national security. This compartmentalization allows agencies to control who accesses what information, keeping the most sensitive intel secured according to operational requirements.

In contrast, the other options do not pertain directly to the definition of SCI. Publicly disclosed information is accessible to the general public and therefore does not require protection. Information about public figures may be classified in certain contexts, but it does not inherently define SCI. Irrelevant security details, as a term, do not hold any classification status or relevance in the context of sensitive information dealing with national security.