In emails, how should the banner marking be positioned?

The correct approach to positioning the banner marking in emails is at the top and bottom of the email. This ensures that the classification marking is clearly visible to anyone reading the email, thus reinforcing the confidentiality and sensitivity of the information contained within the message. Placing the marking at both the beginning and end serves to alert the recipient immediately upon opening the email, while also ensuring that the marking is still visible when they are finishing their review of the content. This method maximizes awareness of the classified status and reduces the risk of inadvertent disclosure.

While other options might suggest different placements, none provide the same level of assurance. For example, positioning the marking only at the bottom would mean it may be overlooked until after the email has been read, which could lead to misuse of the information. Similarly, placing the marking solely in the subject line does not provide adequate reinforcement as recipients may not remember the subject once they move on to the body of the email. Ending each paragraph with a marking is impractical and can clutter the email, making it difficult to read and diminishing the effectiveness of the markings. Thus, the dual placement at the top and bottom is the most effective and compliant with standard practices for handling classified communications.