Security Executive Blog

This past December 17th, the Justice Department announced the guilty plea of a former FBI Contractor (http://baltimore.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel09/ba121709.htm) The contractor held a TOP SECRET security clearance. He knowingly released SECRET information that was published on a blog. Anyone with access to the web was able to access classified information on intelligence communication procedures. The unauthorized release of SECRET information can cause grave damage to the US national security. Those with security clearances should be taught to understand the importance of protecting it. This incident helps stress the need for exceptional security training, protection and oversight. Security specialists in the government and Facility Security Officers (FSO) for cleared contractors are responsible for implementing and directing security programs to protect classified information. This includes ensuring cleared employees understand their roles in protecting classified information. ...

Putting first things first. That has been a motto for many after reading books such as Franklin Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People or Reverend Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life. Those and several similar motivational publications stress that everyone has the same amount of time in a day. What we do during that time helps us either make or goals or fail before we even get started. As leaders, FSOs can help security employees understand how to create incredible security programs. Focusing on training, interaction with other cleared employees, self-improvement and institutional education should be part of professional development. FSOs who write security evaluations for direct reports have an excellent opportunity to help them establish goals to become better at their jobs, more impactful in their careers and hopefully, groomed to become FSO's themselves. Challenging employees and team members to achieve personal and professional goals breeds success. The ISP Cert...