What does CUI stand for?

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) refers to information that requires safeguarding or dissemination controls but is not classified under the United States government's classification system. This term was established to standardize how federal agencies handle unclassified information that, due to its sensitive nature, still needs protection from unauthorized access or disclosure.

CUI encompasses various types of information managed or created by federal agencies that may have specific handling requirements. This could include data related to operations, personnel, or critical infrastructures that, while not classified, still needs a higher level of security than other unprotected information. Employing the term Controlled Unclassified Information helps ensure a clear understanding and approach toward the management of sensitive data across federal agencies and contractors.

The other options do not accurately capture the definition of CUI as recognized by federal standards and the CMMC framework, leading to confusion about the nature and management of sensitive but unclassified information.