What is an important consideration when hand-carrying classified information?

Maintaining discretion and confidentiality is crucial when hand-carrying classified information because it directly relates to the protection of sensitive data from unauthorized access or disclosure. The individuals carrying this information must ensure that it is not visible to unauthorized personnel and that they do not discuss or expose any details about the classified material in public or secure settings. This includes being aware of their surroundings and minimizing interactions that could lead to accidental exposure, thereby ensuring the security of the information throughout the entire transport process.

While considerations such as contingency plans for emergencies and obtaining necessary permits are important in various contexts, they do not specifically address the core requirement of protecting the classified information itself during transport. Discretion and confidentiality ensure that the integrity of the information is maintained, which is the primary concern when dealing with classified materials.