CLAD: Classification Labeling of Aggregated Data

CLAD is a web service to ensure that all data entering a network is properly labeled, and that the aggregate data available to users is within their clearance. CLAD verifies all incoming data as properly labeled, adds the metadata of each document to the metadata of the collection, conducts a shallow analysis to determine if a reclassification of documents as a collection is needed, compares document visibility requirements and users credentials to determine authorization, and routes the collection to a local auto-classification system if reclassification is needed. CLAD then passes it on to the user, based on the users clearance and need-to-know. CLAD can be configured to accept information on credentials from a wide range of sources. Additionally, CLAD is agnostic to the format of security markings on the data it processes. CLAD processes the labels whether they come in the form of inline paragraph markings, XML metadata, or a number of other formats. CLAD stands to provide the Air Force and a wide range of military and commercial customers with a tremendous advantage in security. Most importantly, CLAD allows users to search for and browse the information they need to accomplish their missions without compromising individual and national security. BENEFIT: CLAD will be deployed as a web service to minimize the effort required to install the system in an operational environment. CLADs existence on the network will ensure that all data passing through it is clad with appropriate labels (individually and collectively) or routed to another service to gather appropriate labeling, in an assured manner, so that the most accurate classification is maintained.  CLAD will give users the ability to search for and browse the information they need to accomplish their missions without compromising individual and national security, as there is an assurance that the aggregate data classification is within their security clearance Because CLAD is so adaptable, it stands to provide the Air Force and potentially a wide range of military and commercial customers with a tremendous advantage in security. CLAD will protect classified information that enters the network from any source (searches, e-mail, browsing, etc.), and it will do so while leveraging the classification guidelines, marking styles, C&A, access control systems, and classification authorities already in place. The most important benefit provided by CLAD, however, is the ability of users to search for and browse the information they need to accomplish their missions without compromising individual and national security.