Top Secret material may only be transmitted by a few tightly controlled methods, generally involving cleared couriers or approved secure communications systems.
Authorized transmission methods
- Direct contact between appropriately cleared personnel specifically authorized to handle Top Secret information (for example, hand-carry by a designated Top Secret courier).
- Use of a government courier system authorized for Top Secret, such as Defense Courier Service or other designated government courier channels when permitted by the governing security authority.
- Transmission over approved secure communications/cryptographic systems (such as accredited secure voice, data, message, or facsimile systems specifically authorized for Top Secret traffic, e.g., networks like JWICS in the DoD context).
Methods that are not allowed
- Standard commercial delivery or regular postal services are not authorized for Top Secret material under typical U.S. government and industrial security rules.
- Even registered or express mail methods that are acceptable for Secret or Confidential material are not permitted for Top Secret.
Always follow your organization’s specific policy and designation rules, as the exact list of acceptable methods and systems is determined by the relevant security directives and authorizing security authority.
