For covert online activity, what is required?

• A. Must Complete Mandatory Training and Submit Memo Requesting Authorization to Your Major
• B. No Training Needed; Authorization is Not Required
• C. Requires Supervisor Sign-Off Only
• D. Complete Annual Compliance Training Only

Answer: (A)

Formal training paired with formal authorization is essential for covert online activity. Training equips you with the policies, legal boundaries, risk considerations, and proper procedures you must follow, ensuring you understand what is allowed, what isn’t, and how to handle sensitive information. The authorization step, typically documented in a memo, creates an official record that you have supervisory approval to proceed, establishing accountability and a clear chain of command. Together, they provide both the knowledge and the oversight needed to protect the organization, maintain privacy and legal compliance, and prevent unilateral actions that could cause liability or harm. Other options fail because they omit either the training or the formal authorization (or rely on an informal process), which leaves you and the agency exposed to risk.