Security Asset Protection Professional Certification (SAPPC) Certification Practice Exam

How do security infractions differ from security violations?

1. Infractions are minor, while violations lead to major breaches.

2. Infractions do not result in loss or compromise of classified information; violations do.

3. Infractions are always reported; violations may not be.

4. Infractions involve people; violations involve systems.

The correct answer is: Infractions do not result in loss or compromise of classified information; violations do.

The distinction between security infractions and security violations is based on the consequences and seriousness of the acts. Security infractions are typically minor breaches of protocol or rules that do not lead to a compromise or loss of sensitive information, whereas security violations are serious offenses that result in the actual loss, compromise, or unauthorized access to classified information. When focusing on option B, it is evident that it captures this essential difference: infractions, being lesser in nature, do not compromise classified information, while violations actively do lead to such detrimental outcomes. Understanding this distinction is crucial for professionals in security, as it helps in categorizing incidents appropriately and in implementing the necessary responses and preventive measures. In contrast, while the other options suggest various differences—such as severity, reporting requirements, or whether they involve people or systems—these do not accurately reflect the core definition and the context of infractions versus violations as related to the protection of classified information. Therefore, identifying that infractions do not result in loss or compromise as violations do becomes the key factor in understanding their difference.