Which of the following terms means 'officially designated information that, if improperly disclosed, could harm national security'?

The term that means 'officially designated information that, if improperly disclosed, could harm national security' is "Secret." In the context of information classification, 'Secret' is used by governments and organizations to signify a level of confidentiality that protects critical information. This designation indicates that its unauthorized disclosure could potentially cause serious damage to national security interests.

In terms of classification levels, 'Secret' is one of the three primary categories, which also includes 'Confidential' and 'Top Secret.' Each of these levels indicates a different degree of potential harm resulting from disclosure, with 'Secret' specifically referring to information that is significant enough to warrant protective measures. This classification system helps ensure that sensitive information is only accessible to individuals with the appropriate clearance level, thereby safeguarding national security.

Understanding the implications of each term is crucial in fields related to information security and national defense, as the protection and handling of classified materials are essential to maintaining the integrity of national security.