What was the first umbrella program aimed at protecting classified information?

The first umbrella program aimed at protecting classified information was established by Executive Order 10290. This order was issued in 1951 and marked a significant step in the management of classified material within the U.S. government. It set forth the fundamental structure for classifying and safeguarding sensitive national security information and laid the groundwork for subsequent orders and regulations related to information security.

E.O. 10290 introduced standardized procedures for classifying, declassifying, and safeguarding classified information, thereby creating a more cohesive and comprehensive framework for protection against unauthorized access and disclosure. This was essential during a time when the Cold War heightened the need for stringent measures to protect national security. The order served as a foundation for later executive orders that continued to refine and expand upon these security measures.

In contrast, other executive orders like E.O. 10450, E.O. 12333, and E.O. 13526 were developed later and built on principles established by earlier orders but did not serve as the original framework.