View source for Need-to-know basis

[[File:lighterstill.jpg]][[File:Need_to_know.jpg|right|frame]]

The term "'''need to know'''", when used by [[government]]  and other [[organizations]] (particularly those related to the military or espionage), describes the restriction of [[data]] which is considered very [[sensitive]]. Under need-to-know restrictions, even if one has all the [[necessary]] official approvals (such as a security clearance) to [[access]] certain [[information]], one would not be given access to such information, or read into a clandestine operation, unless one has a specific need to know; that is, [[access]] to the [[information]] must be [[necessary]] for the conduct of one's official duties.

As with most [[security]] [[mechanisms]], the aim is to make it [[difficult]] for unauthorized access to occur, without inconveniencing legitimate access. Need-to-know also aims to discourage "browsing" of [[sensitive]] [[material]] by [[limiting]] access to the smallest possible [[number]] of people.

The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Overlord Battle of Normandy] in 1944 is an example of a need-to-know restriction. Though thousands of military personnel were involved in planning the invasion, only a small [[number]] of them knew the entire scope of the operation; the rest were only informed of data needed to complete a small part of the plan.