An unauthorized disclosure of classified information is known as what?

The term that describes an unauthorized disclosure of classified information is "compromise." When classified information is compromised, it means that the information has been revealed to individuals who are not authorized to access it, thereby putting national security at risk. This term encompasses both intentional and unintentional breaches of security protocols, leading to a loss of confidentiality for sensitive materials.

In contrast, classification refers to the process of designating information as classified to protect national security. Disclosure simply refers to the act of revealing information without connotations of authorization, while protection relates to the measures taken to safeguard classified information from being compromised. Therefore, "compromise" specifically captures the essence of unauthorized disclosure and its implications for security.