Which executive order is authorized for marking and protecting controlled unclassified information?

The correct answer is EO 13526, which is significant because it establishes a framework for the classification of national security information, including the marking and protecting of controlled unclassified information (CUI). This executive order formalizes the guidelines for identifying and handling sensitive information, providing specific instructions on how such information should be marked to ensure it is protected against unauthorized disclosure.

While other executive orders listed may address various aspects of information security or management within the federal government, EO 13526 specifically emphasizes the importance of the safeguarding measures necessary for both classified and controlled unclassified information, including establishing the overarching guidelines that agencies must follow. This is designed to enhance national security while also streamlining the classification process to avoid issues of over-classification. By creating a clear structure for how information should be managed, EO 13526 plays a crucial role in protecting sensitive data effectively.