Question

What should you do when you are working on an unclassified system and receive an email with a classified attachment?

a) Open the attachment and read the contents.
b) Forward the email to your supervisor without notifying them.
c) Immediately contact your security point of contact and do not open the attachment.
d) Save the attachment to your personal computer for later review.

Answer 1

When receiving a classified attachment on an unclassified system, do not open the attachment and immediately contact your security point of contact. Accessing or disseminating classified information improperly can lead to serious security and personal consequences.

Step-by-step explanation:

Proper Handling of Classified Information

If you are working on an unclassified system and receive an email with a classified attachment, the correct course of action is to immediately contact your security point of contact and avoid opening the attachment. This addresses both the security protocols necessary when handling potentially classified information and ensures that the material does not spread further than intended. Accessing, storing, or forwarding classified information on an unclassified system can lead to serious security breaches and personal accountability. Before you hit "send" on any sensitive email, consider the implications and whether the message is appropriate for potential wider audiences.