What is the required action before destroying classified information?

The requirement to ensure that classified information is sanitized properly before destruction is crucial to maintaining security protocols and protecting sensitive material. Sanitization refers to the process of making information irretrievable and ensuring that it cannot be reconstructed or accessed after destruction. This step is essential in safeguarding against potential leaks or unauthorized access to classified data, which could have significant implications for national security.

Proper sanitization involves methods that meet accepted standards, such as shredding, incinerating, or using specialized software for electronic data. By thoroughly sanitizing classified documents or data, you help prevent any compromise regarding the information’s integrity and keep it from falling into the wrong hands. This action is a critical component of handling classified information, as it reinforces the principles of confidentiality and information security.

The other options may be relevant to the handling of classified information but do not directly address the immediate action required specifically before destruction.