Security Executive Blog

This article continues the series covering the Self-Inspection Handbook For NISP Contractors and guidance found in the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) Incorporating Change 2 .  Prior to sending classified information via commercial carriers, the holder of the classified information should gain approval of the intent to ship and the method of shipment.  Once the approval is gained, the shipper should properly prepare the product and coordinate the shipment with the government, shipper, and receiver. Question: Do your cleared employees understand their safeguarding responsibilities? Answer: NISPOM 5-100. General . Contractors shall be responsible for safeguarding classified information in their custody or under their control. This includes classified material controls that govern procedures or capabilities that deny, deter, and detect any unauthorized attempt to gain access to classified information. NISPOM Chapter 5 ...

Traveling with classified information. The other day as I traveled home from work I thought about my coffee pot. Did I turn it off? Am I sure it’s off? How do I know it’s off? The only way I was able to hold anxiety back is to recall my end of day process and determine with conviction that I had indeed turned it off. Imagine how the anxiety increase if you can’t recall whether or not you secured the security container, removed classified information from the printer, or set alarms. Well, the dedicated security professional understands the need for process, procedure, and end of day check lists. Without these controls, many would have a hard time sleeping. You may be able to recall news reports, security awareness training, briefings, or other notifications where someone has had unattended sensitive information stolen from their rooms, vehicles, or other location while in transit. These incidents are preventable with application of process and procedure. This prior ...

This article continues the series covering the Self-Inspection Handbook For NISP Contractors and guidance found in the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) Incorporating Change 2 .  Prior to sending cleared employees to courier or escort classified material, the holder of the classified information should gain authorization. Classfied information should not leave the facilities without the authorization to do so, a complete inventory of the items to be removed, and the intent to protect it from unauthorized disclosure, loss, or theft.   NISPOM 5-410. Use of Couriers, Hand Carriers, and Escorts. Contractors who designate cleared employees as couriers, hand carriers, and escorts shall ensure: c. The employee retains classified material in his or her personal possession at all times. Arrangements shall be made in advance of departure for overnight storage at a U.S. Government installation or at a cleared contractor's facility that has appr...