If a classifier suspects information may be classified but is unsure, what should they do?

When a classifier suspects that information may be classified but is uncertain, the appropriate action is to treat the information as classified until a proper determination can be made. This approach ensures that sensitive information is protected and that classification guidelines are adhered to rigorously.

By treating potentially classified information as classified, the classifier is able to mitigate any risks associated with inadvertently disclosing sensitive content. It allows for the necessary review and assessment processes to take place, which involves consulting official classification guidelines or seeking guidance from a security officer or appropriate authority.

This practice is essential to maintaining national security and safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access. It reflects a cautious and responsible approach to handling information that could potentially have legal, security, or operational implications.

The other choices lack the necessary caution: consulting an unauthorized source undermines established protocols; classifying information as unclassified could lead to serious security breaches; and sharing information with colleagues without some level of assurance could expose sensitive details to unauthorized individuals. Thus, treating the information as classified is the most prudent course of action when in doubt.