Legal Ethics & Professional Responsibility Flashcards

Which best describes an FSO's duty of candor during a DCSA security review?

Answer: Be truthful and not obstruct or mislead reviewers

Truthful cooperation is expected; misleading reviewers can violate law and NISPOM.

A former employee with an active clearance asks the FSO for a reference containing details of a classified project. The FSO should:

Answer: Share only unclassified information and avoid disclosing classified details

Classified details can't be disclosed outside authorized channels; unclassified reference info is fine.

Prepublication review of information about a classified contract is required because:

Answer: Public release without authorization could disclose classified information

Contractors may not release classified or unauthorized information related to classified contracts without approval.

What ethical principle is violated when an FSO uses their access to security databases to look up a neighbor's clearance record out of curiosity?

Answer: Need-to-know

Accessing information without an official need violates need-to-know and misuses authority.

Which statement about retaliation against an employee who reports a security concern in good faith is accurate?

Answer: It is prohibited and may violate federal law

Whistleblower statutes protect good-faith reporters from reprisal.

An FSO is asked by a foreign business partner for details about a contractor's cleared program. The FSO should:

Answer: Treat it as a possible suspicious contact and report it

Requests for protected information by unauthorized persons must be reported as suspicious contacts.

The FSO's training requirement under 32 CFR 117 means that a newly appointed FSO must:

Answer: Complete required FSO training within the prescribed time after appointment

FSOs must complete required security training within one year of appointment.