What happens if a classified document is found to be improperly marked?

If a classified document is found to be improperly marked, it may lead to unauthorized access. Proper classification marking is essential for ensuring that the information remains protected and is only accessed by individuals who have the appropriate clearance and need-to-know. If the marking is incorrect or absent, it could mislead someone into thinking that the document is unclassified, thereby exposing sensitive information to individuals who should not have access to it. This potential for unauthorized access underscores the importance of correct classification and marking practices to maintain national security and safeguard sensitive information.

In contrast, other options do not accurately describe the implications of improper marking. The document does not become publicly shareable (as stated in option A), it does not remain classified indefinitely without proper markings (as suggested in option C), nor is it automatically reclassified merely due to being marked incorrectly (as implied in option D). Instead, recognizing the improper marking allows for corrective action to be taken to protect the information appropriately.