The Role of the Classified Information Protection Officer in a Transport Company
Classified information, due to its specific nature, is strictly regulated by law. Precise regulations, including the scope of duties of the Classified Information Protection Officer, are essential to ensure the appropriate level of protection for such data.
The head of an organizational unit, including a transport company that processes classified information, is responsible for its protection, including organizing and ensuring appropriate security mechanisms. The Classified Information Protection Officer, employed by the unit’s head, reports directly to them and is responsible for compliance with regulations concerning the protection of classified information.
The role of the Classified Information Protection Officer in a transport company is to ensure the security of information that is legally protected, such as under the Act on the Protection of Classified Information. This officer performs both advisory and supervisory functions, ensuring compliance with security procedures concerning classified information with the markings “restricted,” “confidential,” “secret,” and “top secret.”
The scope of responsibilities of the Classified Information Protection Officer is defined in Article 15 of the Act on the Protection of Classified Information. While the regulation lists a broad range of tasks, the following duties are particularly important:
- Ensuring the protection of classified information, including the implementation of physical security measures;
- Ensuring the security of IT systems where classified information is processed;
- Managing classified information security risks, particularly risk assessment;
- Controlling the protection of classified information and compliance with protection regulations, including periodic (at least every three years) inspections of records, materials, and document circulation;
- Conducting training on the protection of classified information as well as standard and advanced security clearance procedures.
In a transport company that may deal with classified information, for instance, in relation to government contracts, handling documents with classified markings, or sensitive data related to critical infrastructure, the Classified Information Protection Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with information protection regulations, including protection against industrial espionage and cyber threats.
The disclosure of such data could lead to severe consequences, including threats to national security, financial losses, or damage to the company’s reputation. To identify potential threats, the Classified Information Protection Officer conducts risk assessments and is responsible for developing, updating, and supervising the implementation of the classified information protection plan within the organization.
The officer’s specific duties depend on the nature of the institution; however, regardless of the workplace, the Classified Information Protection Officer plays a key role in ensuring information security, protecting the company’s interests, and complying with legal regulations.
—
1 As classified information, such information is defined as requiring specific conditions to be met for access.
2 Act of August 5, 2010, on the Protection of Classified Information
3 Ibidem
