What method involves searching through discarded materials for sensitive information?

The method that involves searching through discarded materials for sensitive information is commonly referred to as trash analysis. This practice is used in counterintelligence to uncover information that individuals or organizations may have thought was safely disposed of.

In conducting trash analysis, investigators look through waste materials, such as documents or electronic media, that have been discarded. This can reveal sensitive data, personal information, business secrets, or other intelligence that could be beneficial to adversaries. Given the prevalence of data breaches and the importance of protecting sensitive information, understanding the significance of disposing of materials securely is crucial for individuals and organizations alike.

While other terms may sound similar, they do not accurately describe the act of examining discarded items for sensitive information. For example, the term "scrap analysis" may imply examining materials for potential recycling or resource recovery, while "sealed envelope examination" typically pertains to reviewing contents without permission, and "discard study" is a more general term that doesn't specifically emphasize the search for sensitive information in a counterintelligence context. Thus, trash analysis directly addresses the method of acquiring intelligence through the examination of waste, making it the correct answer to the question.