What does the NGA caveat "Risk Sensitive (RSEN)" protect?

The term "Risk Sensitive (RSEN)" is specifically designed to protect especially sensitive imaging capabilities and exploitation techniques developed or utilized by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). This designation indicates that the information associated with these capabilities involves a level of sensitivity that could pose risks if it were disclosed improperly.

The RSEN caveat is integral to ensuring that advanced imaging technologies and associated methods used for geospatial intelligence remain secure, allowing the NGA to maintain its operational advantage. Sensitive imaging capabilities might include high-resolution satellite imagery or advanced sensor data that could reveal critical operational insights or vulnerabilities if accessed by unauthorized parties.

Understanding this protective measure is crucial for personnel handling geospatial intelligence data, as it underscores the importance of safeguarding both the technology employed and the methodologies that leverage that technology for national security purposes.