ClassifyIt video · 2 minutes 45 seconds
iCLASS - Bridging National Classification Markings
Compare German, US, Greek, Spanish and Finnish markings across the seven iCLASS levels. See how policy-based mappings preserve classification, origin and releasability.
2 minutes 45 seconds · English captions · Published 2026-10-22
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Video transcript
This video shows how iCLASS bridges different national classification markings. Protecting information starts with understanding its sensitivity, and making that visible through document markings. ISO/IEC 27001 and German IT-Grundschutz address classification and labelling. Markings also support the protection measures required by GDPR.
Would you know that all of these mean the same classification level: secret? Different languages. Different national markings. Understanding the words is only the first step. The applicable policy defines their protection requirements.
iCLASS defines seven common levels. Public at the bottom, then unclassified, official, restricted, confidential, secret, and top secret. Organisations use the levels they need. National markings can be mapped into this common representation using the applicable policies and agreements.
Germany and the United States use different markings. Greek, Spanish and Finnish markings add further languages. Each country uses its own scheme; there does not have to be a national equivalent for every iCLASS level. Unclassified does not automatically mean approved for public release.
German geheim and American secret represent equivalent classification levels. When exchanged under the applicable security agreement, they must receive equivalent protection. iCLASS represents both at the common secret level, while preserving their origin. Detailed national handling rules still apply.
Here is a German document marked geheim. Add an iCLASS marking identifying Germany as the originator and secret as the common level. The original marking remains visible. A recipient can understand the shared classification without losing its national context.
Now add releasability to the United States. The classification tells us how to protect the information. Releasability identifies the authorised receiving countries, subject to policy and agreements. The label records that decision; it does not itself grant permission to release the document.
People can read the visible marking. Software can read the corresponding classification, origin and releasability from metadata to support handling and protection decisions. Different national markings. A common understanding. iCLASS connects classification, origin and releasability.