What should you always ensure about the number of copies?

• A. Always maximize copies
• B. Only make the minimum necessary copies
• C. Always make three copies
• D. Make copies only if requested

Answer: (B)

Keep the number of copies to the minimum necessary to accomplish the task. In safeguarding classified information, reducing how many copies exist limits the opportunities for accidental exposure, loss, or theft and makes accountability easier. Each copy adds handling steps, storage requirements, and tracking needs, so you should only create enough copies to support the mission and the need-to-know. This approach balances operational needs with security by avoiding unnecessary dissemination while still enabling the work to proceed.

Maximizing copies unnecessarily spreads risk and complicates control, so it isn’t appropriate. Making a fixed number like three copies isn’t a universal rule and should be driven by actual need. Waiting to make copies only if someone requests them can hinder operations and isn’t how access is typically managed; you should determine the minimum necessary based on the task, not just on requests.