Handling Upon Receipt (1): If the inner package has been tampered with, what must the FSO do?

• A. Conduct an inquiry and determine whether a loss, compromise or suspected compromise of classified information has occurred, and notify the sender and CSA if it has
• B. Ignore the tampering and proceed with processing
• C. Seal the package and store it without reporting
• D. Discard the inner package without investigation

Answer: (A)

When the inner package is tampered with, you’re facing a potential security incident that could involve loss or compromise of classified information. The immediate duty is to initiate an inquiry to determine whether a loss, compromise, or suspected compromise has occurred. If the inquiry finds that a loss or compromise (or suspected compromise) did occur, the sender and the CSA must be notified. This approach protects the information by preserving evidence, triggering proper containment and reporting procedures, and ensuring the right authorities are involved to assess risk and coordinate the response. Ignoring tampering, sealing and storing without reporting, or discarding the package without investigation would leave a possible breach unchecked and violate established safeguarding procedures.