Are there penalties for intentionally mishandling PCII?
Yes. Recognizing that receipt of CII submissions from the private sector is contingent upon keeping submissions safe from unauthorized access, distribution, and misuse, the CII Act and the Final Rule provide for criminal and civil penalties to apply should there be any intentional mishandling of PCII. All Federal, State and local government employees with access to PCII, including the PCII Program Manager, all PCII Program staff, PCII Officers and Deputy Officers, and all Designees of the PCII Program Manager share responsibility for ensuring that PCII is properly safeguarded in accordance with stringent procedures. Federal, State, and local government employees who do not follow safeguarding procedures may be subject to disciplinary action including criminal and civil penalties and loss of employment. State laws governing theft, conspiracy, and trade secrets may apply to government employees and contractors who intentionally mishandle PCII. The CII Act and Final Rule do not limit any
