Security Executive Blog

The following NISPOM Training is meant to augment your NCMS ISP Certification education, not replace it. Download NISPOM to your computer and try your experience against this open book practice test. So, here are some NISPOM based practice questions to help you prepare:  1. Prior to having access to COMSEC, _____ must have a final PCL at the appropriate level for the material of the account: a. FSO b. COMSEC custodian c. Alternate COMSEC custodian d. All the above e. None of the above 2. Disclosure authorizations may manifest by which of the following: a. Export license b. Technical assistance agreement c. Letter of authorization or exemption to export requirements d. Manufacturing license agreement e. All the above 3. Which of the following is NOT required on a Visit Authorization Letter? a. Contractors Name b. Level of FCL c. Name of person to be visited d. Contractors Social Security Number e. Contractors Telephone Number 4. Which situation does n...

Let's take a look at bad security habits and how to avoid them. We'll take on one at a time. # 1. Not marking working papers.  You might think it's okay to mark them later. You might be on a roll and can't stop for details. Whatever, stop making excuses and mark them immediately. You'll be glad you did. Here's how to do it right Working papers containing c lassified information shall be: dated when created-Do this immediately, don't wait. Pretty soon you may find your security container filled with working papers and you have no idea of classification level or how old they are, and you've run out of time to mark them properly before you have to explain to DSS. marked with the highest classification of any information contained in them-if the working papers are a result of classified experiments, research, or some other data, refer to the appropriate classification guidance, DD Form 254, contract or source and find out the clas...

By applying the five “Elements of Inspection” that are common to ALL cleared companies participating in the NISP, and the additional elements that might be applied at unique cleared facilities, facility security officers can control the opportunity a bit better. As a reminder, the DSS’ The Self-Inspection Handbook for NISP Contractors identifies five elements common to all cleared facilities are: (A) Facility Security Clearance (FCL) (B) Access Authorizations (C) Security Education (D) FOCI (E) Classification Using the DSS publication as the intended guidebook, FSOs can glean important information and ideas for applying the elements to their own facilities. This guidance just doesn’t get the cleared contractor ready for the inspection, but when applied, it solidifies a sound and proven security program. The following article covers public disclosure of information pertinent to a classified contract. This is one area where a contractor can get jammed up unless addressed properly. Unde...