Who provides overall policy guidance on information and personnel security matters?

The National Security Council (NSC) is the correct choice for providing overall policy guidance on information and personnel security matters. The NSC plays a critical role in coordinating national security policy across the various branches of government and advises the President on issues that affect national security, including aspects related to intelligence and security protocols. Its involvement in setting overarching policies ensures a unified approach to safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining personnel security across federal agencies and departments.

The Department of Defense (DoD) does have significant roles in security matters, particularly regarding military operations and defense policies, but the NSC is targeted specifically at providing high-level guidance that encompasses all aspects of national security, including civilian and intelligence security policies.

While the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) focuses on protecting the nation from various threats, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) deals with law enforcement, intelligence, and counterterrorism, each of these entities operates within the broader policies laid out by the NSC, making the NSC the primary authority for overall guidance in this area.