Security Executive Blog

Check out our podcast Some security training and briefings are very discouraging for the workforce. Many times, the training is the exact same video or presentation used year after year. This podcast and article discusses ways to improve training by making it applicable based on skill level. In other words, someone who has been working on classified contracts for five years or more already understands the three levels of classified information; so why not move on. So, if you go to my website www.redbikepublishing.com , you might find training and tests that do ask those types of questions. That’s because many of my books and training products are specifically for security managers and includes certification study guides. It’s appropriate for me to ask administrative types of questions. It’s unfair to provide that type of training to the workforce.  This topic is specifically about how to make your security training more effective for your work force. There are two types of training...

Once a security clearance is granted, the Facility Security Officer (FSO) will contact you and several things will happen real fast. Primarily, if you have been sitting in a temporary position while awaiting your clearance, things are about to get real. The FSO will manage the security clearance under the umbrella of the cleared defense contractor’s oversight. This means that the FSO will  maintain the facility security clearance (FCL)  status administratively as well as meeting compliance requirements. They do this primarily training you and through that training, equipping you to protect classified information and perform work designated by the classified contract. Just as the FSO is certified or provided FSO training, you will also receive required training from the FSO. The FSO manages the clearances, training, classified workspace, etc. and documents the all actions for future reviews by the  Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency (DCSA) . ...

You might already be aware that I run two podcasts : DoDSecure and Running and Obstacle Race Training . I recently interviewed Ray D*I*C*E Man Semko on my podcast DoDSecure. I hope you are able to get to the podcast as there are many topics covered from security clearances to protecting classified information . What struck me most was his drive and focus leading him to his branding of D*I*C*E which stands for Defensive Information Countering Everything. This is what he calls the “anchor point” and so much is built around it. He wanted a way for folks to focus on what is important concerning national security. DICE provides more than just a bumper sticker or slogan, but rather a movement that has created more reporting opportunities and has actually led to the capture of a spy. The DICE concept took a while to develop and catch on. Initially, Ray was scheduled to provide a security awareness briefing and he realized he had to have an anchor or something to build the focus around. A...

I recently interviewed Joe and Terri Farkas, the owners of The Management Analysis Network. Both have built a thriving business based on their expertise in risk management, program protection, and security. Security Classification Guides (SCG) and DD Forms 254 are there to provide classification guidance and an expectation of how the Cleared Defense Contractor (CDC) is expected to perform on classified work. The MAN, recommends that the CDC and FSO become involved in classification guidance activities such as helping build SCGs and set expectations for the DD Form 254. Some practical ways to participate include asking classification questions, challenging classification guidance as appropriate, and other measures to ensure classified information is classified appropriately to protect it as well as ensure resources are not wasted through over-classification efforts. FSOs can sit in on classification discussions and provide guidance on what should and should not be classified to in...

We recently interviewed Jackie Bray, an FSO with over 20 years experience, on some of the duties of an FSO and what makes an FSO successful. You can find her interview below: Jackie explains that the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) and Industrial Security Letters are fundamental to an FSO's experience. The NISPOM is the "bible" for those creating programs to protect classified information. It provides the "how to" for protecting classified information that the FSO, program managers, and cleared employees working on classified contracts should possess. The Standard Practice and Procedures should be a companion guide to the NISPOM. Where the NISPOM tells you what to do, the SPP will be the cleared defense contractors' response or demonstration of how they will implement NISPOM at their facility. Jackie explains that in addition to the NISPOM, and the SPP, the FSO and those working on the classified contract should caref...

This week begins the summer conference schedule. There is so much security and cyber education and training available to help attendees keep up with credits, work experience and goals.  One such event is NCMS's 52d Annual Training Seminar in Nashville. Hundreds of National Industrial Security (NISP) Professionals will be on hand to learn more about their craft, industry updates, NISPOM Changes, best practices, and much more. Experts will be on hand to share experiences and lead seminars. Industry vendors will also demonstrate their capabilities. Just recently DoD released NISPOM Conforming Change 2 with plenty of updates and changes including Chapter 8 as well as new requirementsje such as Insider Threat considerations. Also, CDSE has released the corresponding Self-Inspection Handbook for NISP Contractors to reflect all changes. Another great opportunity is ISP Certification training and testing. Good luck to all the attendees and future ISP Certified professional...

As published by clearancejobs.com  http://news.clearancejobs.com/2013/04/04/an-elite-club-the-special-access-program/ A Special Access Program (SAP) is established to control access, distribution, and provide protection for sensitive classified information beyond that normally required. This is a high state of enforced need-to-know, and only a minimum number of cleared employees are given access to SAP information. For example, those with SAP access have clearances at the SECRET and TOP SECRET levels. Conversely, not all those cleared for SECRET and TOP SECRET have access to SAP information. An authority grants access to SAPs based on need-to-know and eligibility for SECRET, TOP SECRET or SCI security clearances. What makes SAP access unique is the need-to-know. To better understand the concept, consider school clubs. Schools provide opportunities for exceptional students to join any number of available clubs including running, robotics, chess, and debate. Though these clubs ar...

Certain topics should be provided during TOP SECRET (TS) Personnel Security Clearance (PCL ) initial security briefings and annual follow up training to complete the holder’s education. After all, the higher certification lends to tougher standards and more accountability. Full and complete training will enhance national security by empowering the holder to protect information appropriately. Clearance A Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) is necessary to ensure an employee is trustworthy and can be awarded a TOP SECRET Clearance. The SSBI investigates a subject’s periods of employment, residences and education institutions attended. Other areas subject to investigation include searching criminal and financial records. The investigators may contact those with social and professional knowledge of the applicant, and divorced spouses. Access Though the SSBI for the final TOP SECRET clearance will take up to a year or longer, employees with a clean record can still hav...

NISPOM Training Discover how to meet NISPOM requirements Did you know that NISPOM requires cleared contractors to provide employees with: Initial Security Briefings Annual Security Awareness Training Cleared contractors are required to brief their cleared employees upon hiring and provide training every year thereafter. It’s easy when there is a Facility Security Officer (FSO) on site. In that case the FSO is overhead and develops the training as part of their daily duties. Does your business have time to focus on training requirements? Defense contractors and cleared contractors with one to a few hundred employees may have FSOs designated in addition to regular duties. COOs, engineers, CFOs, HR and other professionals don’t have time to create and execute training while performing on contract. That’s where Red Bike Publishing can help. An FSO can spend several hours designing training. At $35.00 per manager work hour, that could end up costing at least $150.00...