How is confidentiality of the PQS data maintained?

• A. Access is controlled to authorized personnel and protected by command security policies.
• B. Anyone with network access.
• C. Data is public to all personnel.
• D. Confidentiality is not necessary.

Answer: (A)

Protecting PQS data means that only individuals with a legitimate need to know can access it, and that formal security policies govern how that information is stored, transmitted, and handled. PQS details often include personnel qualifications, progress, and readiness information that could impact operations or privacy if disclosed improperly. By restricting access to authorized personnel and enforcing command security policies, the information remains protected from unauthorized view or disclosure, and there are clear rules for handling, logging, and safeguarding it.

Why the other ideas don’t fit: allowing anyone with network access would break the need-to-know principle and undermine security controls; making data public to all personnel eliminates protection and privacy; and saying confidentiality isn’t necessary ignores the potential risks and rules that govern sensitive personnel information.