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.  Contractors depend heavily on reproducing, printing, or otherwise providing hard copy documents as contract deliverables or work products. Printers, copiers, and fax machines now have memory storage and are more information systems by nature than just “copy machines”. The NISPOM has been updated to address how to use and categorize equipment with storage capability. Question: Does the equipment used for classified reproduction have any sort of memory capability? If yes, the equipment may require accreditation as an Information System (IS). Answer:   The concern is that unless a copier with storage capability is treated as an Information System classified information residing in the storage could be at risk if improperly disposed of. According to the Self...

Debt and Your Security Clearance By: Jeffrey W. Bennett, SAPPC, ISP Bad decisions affect the ability to get a security clearance. When it comes to financial mistakes, those bad decisions can linger for years to come. There are many life situations that can cause debt, that are of not fault of the debtor. Some of these situations include military deployment, relying on others to manage finances, finicky housing markets, and bad investments. Those who suffered under massive debt after the housing market burst asked, “How will my bankruptcy impact my clearance?” A quick study of security clearance decisions can provide an answer. Adjudicative Guideline F; Financial addresses when a person lives above their means or fails to pay debts. They could exhibit poor self-control, lack of good judgement, or just show lack of willingness to follow to rules and regulations. This behavior raises questions about loyalty, reliability, and ability to protect classified information. Here are ...

Could Drinking Cost You a Security Clearance? By: Jeffrey W. Bennett, SAPPC, ISP Alcohol consumption is one of the 13 adjudicative guidelines because of the possible impact of questionable judgement, failure to control impulses and the applicant’s reliability and trustworthiness. These concerns are serious and could impact national security where they involve someone working with sensitive or classified information . After reviewing case studies, it’s not too difficult to see the impact of alcohol use on people’s lives. Consider the following cases that demonstrate how alcohol consumption can impact security clearances. There are many more recorded, but these few will give an idea. Two cases demonstrate denial of security clearances, while one shows how the applicant adequately demonstrated mitigation and a security clearance is granted. “I can handle it” Applicant has had numerous alcohol-related driving arrests. She paid fees and fines, and completed probation....

If you are serious about advancing in your field, get security certification.  Taking practice tests is a great way to prepare for an exam. Successful students in grade school and college study using guides and exam preparation questions based on the test subject material. This same successful methodology can also help prepare for professional exams like ISP Certification and SPeD Certification. DSS has study material and tests available for those who enrol, NCMS has test study material as well. Practice tests augment certification exam preparation.  Red Bike Publishing's Unofficial Study Guide  features four complete test length practice exams based on  NISPOM . It could help you pass the ISP and SPeD certification exams. We've updated our manual for NISPOM Change 2. Have a go at some new questions.  Try these questions to see how you do: 1.       The _____ shall identify the recipient government’s DGR and appoint a U.S....