Final answer:
Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) is classified information that is highly compartmentalized and can only be accessed by individuals with the necessary clearances and a need-to-know.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) refers to a classification of information that is compartmentalized and requires special access clearances on top of a Top Secret clearance because of the sensitivity of the content. This level of classification protects information that concerns national security and requires controls above and beyond standard classified information protocols. SCI may include intelligence sources, methods, or analytical processes that need to be tightly controlled to safeguard national security interests.
SCI is not necessarily classified at the highest level by definition, nor is it information that is publicly available or sensitive but unclassified. Instead, it is a subset of classified information that is specifically organized within a unique compartment to restrict access only to individuals who have a need-to-know and the proper clearances.