Vitally confidential documents passing through the post should be encl

Vitally confidential documents passing through the post should be enclosed in an envelope addressed to the intended recipient, and they should be

  1. marked as strictly personal (by name)
  2. marked as strictly private
  3. marked as restricted
  4. put into another envelope

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1, 2 and 4
2, 3 and 4
1, 2 and 3
1 and 4 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2024
The correct answer is A) 1, 2 and 4. Handling vitally confidential documents passing through the post requires multiple security layers. Marking as “strictly personal (by name)” and “strictly private” ensures that the mail is handled and opened only by the intended recipient. Putting the confidential document into *another* envelope (double enveloping) hides the sensitive markings, the recipient’s name (on the inner envelope), and the nature of the contents from postal handlers. While “restricted” (3) is a formal security classification mark, 1, 2, and 4 represent standard best practices for handling vitally confidential mail to a named individual, whether formally classified or just highly sensitive business/personal information.
Key practices for sending confidential mail include recipient-specific markings (1, 2) and physical concealment/protection (4 – double envelope) to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure during transit.
Formal security classification markings like “Restricted”, “Confidential”, “Secret”, “Top Secret” are used for government or classified information. While “vitally confidential” documents might fall under such classifications, the practices listed in 1, 2, and 4 are universally applicable for ensuring confidentiality of sensitive mail regardless of formal classification level. Using a double envelope is a fundamental physical security measure.