Final answer:
True, improper safeguarding of information refers to the use of inadequate measures to protect classified data or CUI, which can compromise individual privacy and national security. Intelligence and counterintelligence services play key roles in preventing information theft and misuse.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, improper safeguarding of information is defined as using inappropriate measures and controls to protect classified information or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This can lead to a range of problems including the theft of personal information, unauthorized access by foreign governments, and the mishandling of national security information.
Ensuring the security of information is a critical task for intelligence services, which seek to defeat threats, and for counterintelligence services, which aim to protect against internal threats. Both areas require attention to detail and vigilance to prevent the mishandling, misinterpretation, or theft of sensitive data. For example, research has shown that increased cognitive demand on individuals who monitor security information can result in more mistakes, such as the case with the operators in a Brazilian banking institution or the security personnel involved in the Target data breach of 2013.
To sustain a balance between individual privacy and government protection or regulation of the community, meticulous care must be taken in how information is safeguarded. An awareness of the potential for information misuse and theft is essential in protecting the interests of both individuals and nations.