These colors are the same as the colors of the classified document cover sheets.
In addition to the use of these labels, any and all warning notices or handling caveats that may apply
to the data stored on the specific media, such as WNINTEL, must also appear. In these cases, plain
white address labels with the applicable caveats stamped on them will suffice.
Making Floppy Disks
As a general rule, if a unit processes only US1, US2, or Nonsensitive material, diskettes and other
media do not need to be marked as Unclassified. If the unit does have CS1, CS2, or CS3 accredited
systems, however, all media must be marked to indicate classification. Neither AR 380-5 nor AR 380-
19 Indicate exactly how computer media is to be marked, as long as you use the required standard
forms to indicate classification, and have all the other required information (caveats, classification
authority, downgrading/declassification instructions, etc.) on the disks.
Of course, if your MACOM supplement to AR 380-19, your unit commander, or your unit ISSO have
established a particular way of marking disks, you must comply with it.
Paragraph 4-300, AR 380-5, calls for "conspicuous" markings on special categories of classified
material, so the appropriate classification label should also be placed on the front and back of the
protective envelope. Storage containers, other than your security container, should also be labeled.
Disks of Different Colors
Another method for identifying floppy disks on which classified information is stored is the use of
uniquely colored diskettes, using the same color scheme as that used for the classification labels;
orange for TOP SECRET, red for SECRET, and so on.
These colored disks are available from a number of commercial sources. Also, they are supposed to
be coming into the Army supply system.
One advantage of colored disks is visibility; It would be easier to spot a red disk containing classified
information if it was left on a desk by mistake.
Another advantage is security, if a unit used blue disks for CONFIDENTIAL and red disks for SECRET,
it might prevent somebody from copying a SECRET file onto the wrong disk by mistake.
Marking Hard Disks
A removable hard disk unit on which classified information is stored will be labeled with the basic
identification, classification, any additional warning notices, the classification authority, and the
downgrading or declassification instructions.
The unit is usually rectangular, and the classification labels will be placed in conspicuous locations
on the hard disk; top, bottom, and all four sides.
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