Julien is a DOD program manager. He recently accepted a friend request from a woman on social media. They chat often through direct messages. The messages started out unrelated to Julien’s work. The woman’s messages quickly shifted when she started complaining about her job and offering details about her work. Over time, Julien and the woman started talking more and more about their work. The woman is now sending messages asking increasingly direct questions about Julien’s work. What should Julien do and why? (Select the best answer)
Report it, as the woman may be part of a broader effort to gather information about DOD programs.
Delete their chats so that the woman no longer has access to any information he may have shared
Ignore her. The woman is nosy but likely harmless.
Ask his coworkers if they’ve received direct messages to determine if there is a pattern.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The best course of action for Julien is to report it, as the woman may be part of a broader effort to gather information about DOD programs.
In this scenario, the woman’s shift in behavior, from casual conversation to increasingly direct questions about Julien’s work, raises concerns about potential espionage or an information-gathering effort targeting sensitive details. When working in a Department of Defense (DOD) role, maintaining the confidentiality and security of information is paramount, especially if it pertains to national security or sensitive military operations.
The fact that the woman’s inquiries are becoming more specific about Julien’s work is a red flag. It suggests that she may be trying to extract classified or confidential information. Reporting the situation to the relevant authorities, such as a supervisor or the DOD’s security office, ensures that the matter is properly investigated. They will be able to assess whether the woman’s actions constitute a threat and take the necessary steps to protect any sensitive information that may have been shared.
Simply deleting the chats would not address the potential threat or the risk of having unknowingly shared valuable information. Ignoring the situation could lead to further compromising of sensitive details. Asking coworkers if they have experienced similar messages could be helpful but may not provide an immediate response or the necessary action to prevent a larger security breach.
Reporting the situation demonstrates caution, responsibility, and awareness of the risks associated with online communications. It is crucial for individuals in positions like Julien’s to act proactively when there is even the slightest suspicion of unauthorized information-gathering, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to protect both their own and the organization’s interests.