>Some of these are way beyond top secret,
5.0. Above Top Secret: A Closer Look
The term “above top secret” is often misunderstood and misused. In reality, above top secret clearances don’t exist in the way Hollywood portrays them to. Instead, it requires special access, which is granted through special access programs.
5.1. Types of Above Top Secret Access
Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI): This is information about important intelligence sources and methods. People need to go through a special process to get access to SCI.
Special Access Programs (SAPs): These are projects that are so sensitive that only a few people know about them. They might be about new technology or special operations.
There are different types of SAPs:
Acknowledged SAPs: These are programs that are recognized and their existence can be openly discussed.
Unacknowledged SAPs: These programs are not publicly recognized and their existence is usually denied.
Waived SAPs: These are a subset of unacknowledged SAPs, so sensitive that they require special access and are exempt from standard reporting requirements to Congress.
5.2. Examples of Special Access Programs
Special Access Programs (SAPs): These have a layer of intense security around them. SAPs commonly exist in the intelligence community and involve research and development (DARPA).
Black projects/budget: These exist in the intelligence community and military. Examples of black projects are stealth aircraft, advanced weapons systems, and highly sensitive special operations. The black budget is the name for the government funding that goes towards these projects.
Sensitive Compartmentalized Information (SCI): Governments award SCI clearances to individuals who hold an inadequate clearance for a program that they are part of.
Q Clearance: These types of clearance are for individuals who work at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Specifically, DOE employees who work with highly sensitive energy information or technology. This includes access to nuclear weapon schematics or nuclear missiles. An individual possessing a Q Clearance has gone through an intense background investigation.
Cosmic/ATOMAL Top Secret: NATO has its own security classifications. From those, COSMIC TOP SECRET and ATOMAL are the highest rankings. Information at this level, if leaked, could have grave ramifications for NATO adjacent forces. ATOMAL shares similarities with Q Clearances. In that regard, ATOMAL holders work with sensitive space and energy-related information.
YANKEE WHITE: This clearance is unique to the U.S. Anyone working near the President must possess one, including administrative and logistical staff.
https://greydynamics.com/above-top-secret-what-lies-beyond-the-cloaked/