A. Records Management – Answer
B. Transmission
C. Safeguarding
D. Marking
Answer:
CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) documents must be reviewed according to Records Management procedures before destruction. This ensures that the documents are appropriately handled, retained, and disposed of in accordance with established guidelines and regulations. Records management procedures typically involve categorizing and organizing documents, setting retention schedules, and ensuring proper disposal methods, such as shredding or secure destruction, are followed to protect sensitive information.
Definition of CUI: CUI refers to information that is sensitive but not classified as “classified information.” It can include a wide range of data, from personally identifiable information (PII) to sensitive government information.
Importance of Protecting CUI: Protecting CUI is vital because it may contain information that, if disclosed or mishandled, could harm national security, individual privacy, or the interests of organizations and individuals. Proper handling is necessary to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure.
Records Management for CUI Documents
What is Records Management?
Records management involves the systematic control of an organization’s records, from their creation and usage to their retention and eventual disposal. It ensures that records, including CUI, are properly managed throughout their lifecycle.
Why Records Management is Crucial for CUI: Effective records management ensures that CUI documents are categorized, organized, and maintained according to established procedures. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access and guarantees compliance with legal requirements.
Categorizing CUI Documents: CUI documents should be categorized based on their level of sensitivity and content. Categories help determine how long documents should be retained and the appropriate disposal methods.
Records Retention Policies
Establishing Retention Schedules: Retention schedules specify how long CUI documents must be kept, taking into account legal and operational requirements. These schedules help organizations maintain documents only for the necessary duration.
Documenting Retention Requirements for Different Types of CUI: Different types of CUI may have distinct retention requirements. Some may need to be retained for a few years, while others may need to be kept indefinitely. It’s crucial to document these requirements.
Regular Review and Updates: Retention schedules should be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in regulations, technology, and business needs. Regular reviews ensure that CUI documents are retained and disposed of appropriately.
Reviewing CUI Documents
Purpose of Document Review: Document reviews are conducted to assess the ongoing relevance and sensitivity of CUI documents. Outdated or unnecessary documents may be identified for disposal.
Frequency of Reviews: Reviews should be performed on a regular basis. The frequency of reviews may vary based on the type of information and organizational policies.
Identifying Outdated or Unnecessary Documents: During reviews, it’s essential to identify documents that are no longer needed or that have become outdated. This process reduces the volume of sensitive information that must be managed.
Safeguarding CUI Documents
Securing Physical Documents: Physical CUI documents should be stored in secure locations, such as locked cabinets or safes, to prevent unauthorized access. Access to these locations should be restricted to authorized personnel.
Protecting Electronic Files: Electronic CUI documents should be encrypted and stored on secure servers. Access controls and authentication measures should be implemented to protect electronic data.
Access Control and Authentication: Access to CUI documents, whether physical or electronic, should be controlled. Employees should only have access to the information necessary for their job roles, and strong authentication methods should be in place.
Transmission of CUI Documents
Secure Methods for Sharing CUI Documents: When sharing CUI documents, use secure methods such as encrypted email, secure file transfer protocols, or secure communication channels to protect the information during transmission.
Encryption and Secure Channels: Encryption ensures that the content of CUI documents remains confidential during transmission. Secure channels, like virtual private networks (VPNs), add an extra layer of protection.
Transmitting CUI Electronically: Be cautious when transmitting CUI electronically, and always follow established procedures to prevent data breaches or unauthorized access during transmission.
Destruction Procedures for CUI Documents
Importance of Secure Destruction: Properly destroying CUI documents is critical to prevent data breaches or unauthorized access. Even after a document has met its retention requirements, it should be destroyed securely.
Types of Destruction Methods: Common destruction methods include shredding, burning, or secure disposal in compliance with regulations and organization policies.
Documentation of Destruction: A record should be maintained of the destruction of CUI documents, including details like when and how they were destroyed. This documentation helps in case of audits or inquiries.