If an employee receives classified information by mistake, what should they do?

The appropriate action when an employee accidentally receives classified information is to report it to their supervisor and return it securely. This course of action is crucial for several reasons.

First and foremost, handling classified information carries significant responsibility, and unauthorized possession or knowledge can lead to severe security breaches. By reporting the incident, the employee ensures that the information is managed according to established protocols, which may involve informing security personnel or taking steps to declassify or securely store the information.

Returning the information securely prevents any potential disclosure or misuse that could arise from keeping that information without proper clearance. This aligns with the overarching principle of maintaining the integrity of classified materials and upholding national security protocols.

Adhering to these procedures reinforces a culture of accountability and compliance within the workplace, emphasizing that even inadvertent receipt of sensitive information must be treated seriously.