Your supervisor has a need-to-know about a project with Controlled Unclassified Information but is uncleared. Can you discuss the project with him?

The correct answer highlights a fundamental principle of information security: access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is strictly regulated based on clearance level and need-to-know criteria. Although your supervisor may have a professional interest in the project due to their role, this does not override the requirement for them to have an appropriate clearance to access certain types of information.

In this context, even if the supervisor is in a position of authority, they must still possess the necessary clearance for the specific sensitivity level of the information. Discussing the project with an uncleared supervisor would constitute unauthorized disclosure, which can have serious repercussions for both the individual sharing the information and the organization.

Maintaining compliance with established protocols surrounding classified and controlled information is vital to protect sensitive data from potential abuse or breaches. Thus, the requirement for eligibility at the proper level is non-negotiable, ensuring that only those who are cleared can engage in discussions regarding sensitive projects.