In order to access classified information, you must posses two things: 1) the appropriate clearance level (confidential, secret, top secret) 2) a need to know

In order to access classified information, you must posses two things: 1) the appropriate clearance level (confidential, secret, top secret) 2) a need to know So even possessing the appropriate clearance level doesn't give you the right to just start reading anything that interests you on a classified network. You're supposed to have a "need to know" in case you're questioned about it. We always get stuff here (contractor on AFB) about "don't read this or that" or else you could be in trouble. But I've never heard of anyone actually getting in trouble.