What is "sensitive but unclassified" (SBU) information?

"Sensitive but unclassified" (SBU) information refers to data that must be safeguarded due to its potential to cause harm or present risks if disclosed, yet it does not meet the legal requirements for classification as confidential or top secret. This type of information is recognized as important and sensitive, indicating that there are legal, regulatory, or administrative restrictions on its dissemination, although it does not reach the standard of being classified.

The nature of SBU information means that it is often related to personal privacy, business operations, or law enforcement, where unauthorized access could result in adverse consequences but does not necessarily entail national security issues associated with classified information. Thus, certain handling, storage, and dissemination procedures are required to protect it while still allowing for a level of access greater than that of classified documents.

In contrast, the other options describe information scenarios that do not correctly define SBU. For instance, information requiring public disclosure does not align with the essence of SBU, which necessitates safeguarding rather than freely sharing. Similarly, classified information is distinctly different from SBU, as it is labeled and handled with higher security measures due to its implications for national security. Lastly, information available to all employees does not capture the nuanced restrictions of SBU, as such