What is the objective of a "security clearance"?

The objective of a security clearance is to authorize individuals based on their trustworthiness. This process involves thorough background checks and assessments to ensure that individuals who are granted access to sensitive information or secure areas can be trusted to handle that responsibility without compromising security. Security clearances are commonly used in government and military contexts, as well as in industries where sensitive data is involved, such as finance and healthcare.

Obtaining a security clearance typically requires individuals to undergo various evaluations, which may include interviews, reference checks, and reviews of criminal history, credit reports, and personal associations. This vetting process aims to mitigate risks related to insider threats and protect national security or proprietary information.

In contrast, restricting all employee access does not consider the trustworthiness of individuals and would hinder operational efficiency. While increasing security by limiting information sharing can be important, it does not fully encompass the purpose of a security clearance, which specifically focuses on evaluating trustworthiness to allow access. Allowing unrestricted access to facilities contradicts the very purpose of a security clearance, as the intent is to control and monitor who has access based on their evaluated reliability.