Which practice best supports secure handling of removable media in an Army environment?

Which practice best supports secure handling of removable media in an Army environment?

• A. Limit access to removable media and follow OPSEC guidelines.
• B. Use encryption, approved media, limit access, sanitize before disposal, and follow OPSEC guidelines.
• C. Store removable media in unsecured locations to expedite access.
• D. Only use media with hardware encryption chips; ignore disposal.

Answer: (B)

Secure handling of removable media relies on multiple safeguards working together. Encryption protects the data if the media is lost or stolen, keeping information unreadable to unauthorized users. Using approved media ensures the devices have met security standards and are authorized for use in sensitive environments. Limiting access reduces the chance of exposure from insider threats or accidental misuse. Sanitizing before disposal prevents recoverable data from lingering on the medium, closing the information loop when the device is discarded. Following OPSEC guidelines ties these practices into the overall security framework, ensuring consistent procedures across operations. Other options fall short because they omit one or more of these essential safeguards: relying on access control alone, or storing media insecurely, or depending only on hardware encryption without proper disposal.

Secure handling of removable media relies on multiple safeguards working together. Encryption protects the data if the media is lost or stolen, keeping information unreadable to unauthorized users. Using approved media ensures the devices have met security standards and are authorized for use in sensitive environments. Limiting access reduces the chance of exposure from insider threats or accidental misuse. Sanitizing before disposal prevents recoverable data from lingering on the medium, closing the information loop when the device is discarded. Following OPSEC guidelines ties these practices into the overall security framework, ensuring consistent procedures across operations.

Other options fall short because they omit one or more of these essential safeguards: relying on access control alone, or storing media insecurely, or depending only on hardware encryption without proper disposal.