Sarabeth and Miguel work at similar jobs for the same agency but on different classified projects. They find it helpful to discuss the challenges of their jobs with each other. Sarabeth wanted to share classified information with Miguel, but he does not have a need-to-know for the information. In order to avoid a violation requiring a possible sanction, Miguel should stop the conversation before any classified information is discussed.
True
Why this answer
True. Access to classified information takes three things: eligibility (a clearance), a signed nondisclosure agreement and a need-to-know. Miguel is cleared but has no need-to-know, so he is an unauthorized person for this information. The order's sanctions cover disclosure to an unauthorized person whether it is knowing, willful or negligent, so the safe move is the one in the question: stop the conversation before anything classified is said.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE OFFICIAL SOURCE
“Officers and employees of the United States Government, and its contractors, licensees, certificate holders, and grantees shall be subject to appropriate sanctions if they knowingly, willfully, or negligently: (1) disclose to unauthorized persons information properly classified under this order or predecessor orders; (2) classify or continue the classification of information in violation of this order or any implementing directive;”
— Executive Order 13526, Sec. 5.5(b) ↗