What is a 'leak' in the context of classified information?

In the context of classified information, a 'leak' refers specifically to the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or classified information, whether that occurs accidentally or intentionally. This can happen when individuals share sensitive information without proper authorization, leading to potential risks to national security, operational integrity, or individual privacy.

Understanding this concept is crucial because leaks can severely undermine the credibility of intelligence operations and compromise the safety of personnel and missions. The terminology typically associated with leaks highlights the concern regarding how information is handled and the importance of secure practices in managing classified data.

The other options, by contrast, describe scenarios that do not align with the definition of a leak. Secure transmissions of classified materials involve protective measures and proper channels to ensure that information remains confidential. Authorized disclosures occur when classified information is shared with individuals who have the appropriate clearance and a need to know, which is distinctly different from a leak scenario. Likewise, normal sharing within an agency refers to routine communication of information among authorized personnel that aligns with security protocols, emphasizing the difference between secure practices and the unauthorized sharing that constitutes a leak.