3 Ways FSOs Create an Effective Security Culture

How do effective FSOs and security managers develop a culture of compliance with regulations and security programs? Quoting regulations only exasperates cleared employees and the very act does little
to foster a climate of cooperation. However, developing relationships based on a good understanding of business, the company mission and influence goes a long way toward implement the successful security
program.

1. FSO influences corporate culture-Security of classified information should be part of the organization's DNA. Instead of stove piping security functions, they should tie into the corporate mission. Though each office has a different product, funding or budget item, each fulfills their obligation in a chain of responsibilities necessary to get the product to market. When a business unit breaks down or fails to fulfill its mission,
other business units are affected.

2. FSO performs a vital mission of protecting classified information. Failure to safeguard classified material
could result in a defense contractor losing the facility clearance and ultimately cost current and future contracts. Security as an afterthought or viewed as a “necessary evil” has contributed to a loss in influence and commitment. Though the NISPOM applies to classified projects, FSOs would be mistaken to assume that only cleared persons and cleared programs
are worthy of their attention.

3. FSO trains and treats ALL employees as security “force multipliers”. With security ingrained in the performance and actions of employees, the organization has a united front and all employees exist to protect classified information. For example, even employees without security clearances can help protect classified information by learning to recognize classification markings reporting suspicious behavior or contacts.

The corporate culture of successful organizations is published organization wide and employees are well versed. Each employee should understand how they fit into the company mission and the importance
of their contribution toward the enterprise’s success.

For more detailed information, be sure to get DoD Security Clearance and Contracts Guidebook

Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing Red Bike Publishing . Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook", "ISP Certification-The Industrial Security Professional Exam Manual", and NISPOM/FSO Training" See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership, The Ranger Handbook, The Army Physical Readiness Manual, Drill and Ceremonies, The ITAR,and The NISPOM