Which statement best describes proper handling of confidential correspondence?

The statement indicating that confidential correspondence should be secure and accessed only by authorized personnel accurately reflects established protocols for handling sensitive information. This ensures that confidentiality is maintained, protecting both the content of the correspondence and the privacy of the individuals or organizations involved.

By limiting access to authorized personnel, the integrity of the information is preserved, preventing unauthorized disclosure that could compromise operational security or privacy rights. Secure handling may involve measures such as using locked file cabinets, encryption for electronic communications, or secure transit methods to prevent interception.

Other options suggest practices that do not align with best practices for confidentiality. For example, sharing confidential information widely, even if the sender is known, does not adhere to the principle of need-to-know, while stating that confidential correspondence doesn’t require special handling undermines the importance of protecting sensitive information. Additionally, retaining correspondence for a year before destruction may not align with specific regulations regarding the duration of retention based on the nature of the correspondence or applicable policies.

Overall, recognizing the necessity for secure access reinforces the importance of safeguarding confidential communications within any organization, particularly in the context of military operations and sensitive governmental affairs.