How long must the record of debriefings for COSMIC TOP SECRET and all ATOMAL be maintained?

The requirement to maintain records of debriefings for COSMIC TOP SECRET and all ATOMAL for three years stems from established security protocols that emphasize the significance of safeguarding sensitive information. The three-year retention period balances the necessity for accountability and data availability for security reviews or audits, while also recognizing that the potential risk of compromise diminishes over time. Such protocols ensure that any information shared during debriefings remains within the jurisdiction of security oversight and supports the integrity of defense operations.

The duration is also informed by historical practices in information security, where retaining such records for a longer period may present unnecessary risks without corresponding benefits, whereas shorter durations might not provide sufficient time for potential follow-up actions or investigations related to the debriefings. This ensures that organizations can adequately manage and archive sensitive information while complying with regulatory requirements and operational needs.