What should operators do if they detect a key mismatch or security anomaly?

• A. Initiate security procedures, re-key or re-authenticate, and report to the Net Control Station.
• B. Ignore the anomaly to avoid false alarms.
• C. Shut down all networks immediately.
• D. Switch to an alternate encryption standard without notifying others.

Answer: (A)

When you detect a key mismatch or security anomaly, the network’s crypto state may be out of sync or at risk, so the correct action is to follow established security procedures: initiate the security protocol, re-key or refresh the crypto material, re-authenticate the participating units, and report the incident to the Net Control Station so it can coordinate a proper response. This approach reestablishes a known good crypto state, keeps a traceable record of the event, and ensures everyone operates on synchronized keys.

Ignoring the anomaly would leave the system vulnerable to interception or misuse. Shutting down all networks is too drastic and disrupts critical operations, and switching encryption unilaterally without informing others would break synchronization and could cut off secure communication for some participants.