How should you handle a document marked as "Secret" if you are not authorized to view it?

Handling a document marked as "Secret" requires strict adherence to security protocols. The correct approach, to not view the document and report the matter to the appropriate authority, reflects the importance of maintaining the integrity of classified information. Unauthorized access to classified materials poses a risk to national security and can lead to severe consequences.

By reporting the document to the relevant authority, you ensure that proper procedures are followed, and the information is handled by individuals with the necessary clearance to access it. This step helps protect sensitive data and upholds the established regulations governing classified information management. Each person’s role in safeguarding classified information is critical, and taking the right action when encountering such documents is essential.

The other possible options would compromise security and could potentially result in breaches of protocol. For instance, reviewing the document for educational purposes would be unauthorized and inappropriate given its classification level. Sharing it with a colleague similarly undermines the security measures in place, while simply locking it away fails to address the need for proper reporting and accountability regarding classified information.