What measures are advisable when sharing classified information electronically?

What measures are advisable when sharing classified information electronically?

• A. Using secure channels and encrypting documents
• B. Sending documents via regular email
• C. Utilizing public file-sharing services
• D. Only verbally communicating the information

Answer: (A)

When sharing classified information electronically, employing secure channels and encrypting documents is crucial to safeguarding sensitive data. Secure channels ensure that only authorized individuals have access to the information, greatly minimizing the risk of interception by unauthorized parties. Encryption adds an additional layer of protection by transforming the data into a format that is unreadable without the appropriate decryption key, further lowering the chances of unauthorized access. Using regular email, public file-sharing services, or relying solely on verbal communication does not provide adequate protection for classified information. Regular email lacks the necessary security features to protect sensitive data, while public file-sharing services are inherently insecure as they can be accessed by anyone, including unauthorized individuals. Verbal communication, although sometimes safer than electronic methods, carries the risk of being overheard and does not offer a reliable audit trail or documentation, which are important for accountability and compliance in handling classified information.

When sharing classified information electronically, employing secure channels and encrypting documents is crucial to safeguarding sensitive data. Secure channels ensure that only authorized individuals have access to the information, greatly minimizing the risk of interception by unauthorized parties. Encryption adds an additional layer of protection by transforming the data into a format that is unreadable without the appropriate decryption key, further lowering the chances of unauthorized access.

Using regular email, public file-sharing services, or relying solely on verbal communication does not provide adequate protection for classified information. Regular email lacks the necessary security features to protect sensitive data, while public file-sharing services are inherently insecure as they can be accessed by anyone, including unauthorized individuals. Verbal communication, although sometimes safer than electronic methods, carries the risk of being overheard and does not offer a reliable audit trail or documentation, which are important for accountability and compliance in handling classified information.