Question

You are logged on to your unclassified computer and just received an encrypted email from a co-worker. The email has an attachment whose name contains the word "secret". What should you do?

Answer 1

If you receive an encrypted email on an unclassified computer with a 'secret' attachment, do not open the attachment and immediately report the incident to your IT department or security officer. Be mindful of email content as it can easily be shared unintentionally and maintain discretion at all times.

Step-by-step explanation:

When you receive an encrypted email on an unclassified computer, especially if the attachment contains sensitive wording such as "secret", the first step is to recognize the potential security implications. Handling classified or sensitive information via unclassified systems is a breach of security protocol. It's imperative to not open the attachment or forward the email.

You ought to report the incident to your organization's IT department or security officer immediately for further guidance. This action is in accordance with best practices for handling potentially sensitive information and ensures the security of the information is not compromised. Moreover, when communicating via email, always consider the possibility of your message being seen by unintended recipients.

Always be discreet and avoid sharing sensitive content over channels that are not secure or intended for such information. Remember, emails can be forwarded or shared, so ensure that your communications are professional and appropriate for a wide audience. Before sending an email, consider the potential impact of your message and whether it aligns with the intended level of confidentiality.