When loss, theft, destruction, misuse, or compromise would result in unacceptable mission degradation.

When loss, theft, destruction, misuse, or compromise would result in unacceptable mission degradation.

• A. PL-1
• B. PL-2
• C. PL-3
• D. PL-0

Answer: (A)

Protective levels classify assets by the impact of loss or compromise. If loss, theft, destruction, misuse, or compromise would cause unacceptable mission degradation, the asset is designated as Protective Level 1. That requires the strongest protections: access limited to essential personnel, stringent accountability and handling, and enhanced physical and cyber security measures. The other levels indicate progressively lower impact and thus lighter controls—PL-2 for serious but not unacceptable degradation, PL-3 for limited degradation, and PL-0 for no special protections beyond standard procedures.

Protective levels classify assets by the impact of loss or compromise. If loss, theft, destruction, misuse, or compromise would cause unacceptable mission degradation, the asset is designated as Protective Level 1. That requires the strongest protections: access limited to essential personnel, stringent accountability and handling, and enhanced physical and cyber security measures. The other levels indicate progressively lower impact and thus lighter controls—PL-2 for serious but not unacceptable degradation, PL-3 for limited degradation, and PL-0 for no special protections beyond standard procedures.