Security Executive Blog

Facility Security Officers (FSOs) the security managers for cleared defense contractors, implement and direct security programs to protect classified information . As an FSO or a supporting security professional in this role, have you ever wondered how the classified information you protect gets its designation? We can find the answer in Presidential Executive Order 13292. You may have heard and read reports of how over-classification results in unnecessary costs. You might also understand from similar reports of how under-classification can lead to compromise of sensitive information. To better prevent unauthorized disclosure and ensure that classification is assigned to only that information needing protection, the President has issued special guidelines. In cases where items may be assigned an original classification, four conditions must be met:      An original classification authority (OCA) is classifying the information; Specifically, only the President a...

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....

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...

One thing an FSO just can't control is how long it takes the US Government to completely investigate, adjudicate and award a security clearance. These investigations rely on trained persons to research a persons background and another set of trained persons to make a decision on the findings. These professionals are charged with determining whether or not a person can be relied on to protect classified information from unauthorized disclosure. Returning or seeking clarification on submitted information is costly. As an  FSO, you can control one critical part of the process. Ensure the applicant fills out the SF86 forms accurately and completely. Any mistakes, omissions or embellishments can cause serious time delays. You can help the applicant understand the content and explain how to complete required forms. Here is great tool to help; the top 6 reasons security clearance decisions are delayed: 1.  Missing or illegible fingerprint cards. The cards must be provided to th...

Facility Security Officers (FSOs) wear many hats. Depending on the size of company and mission, they can be completely dedicated to security or serve as FSOs as one of many additional duties. Regardless of where their responsibilities lie, all FSOs should be very aware of NISPOM requirements . When it comes to training, FSOs should be able to effectively train cleared employees of these NISPOM and Contract Security Classification Specification (DD Form 254) requirements. Training requirements vary not only based on mission, but also depend on whether or not the facility is cleared as possessing or non-possessing. A possessing facility is authorized to store and work classified information in the cleared facility. A non-possessing facility cannot. Objectives of the FSO Program Management Course are to prepare the FSO to implement and direct a NISPOM based security program in their cleared contractor facility. DSS offers online courses to both possessing and non-possessing facilit...

Going above and beyond requirements of NISP Enhancement Category 11 includes membership and attendance in Security Community Events. Enrollment and attendance in security community and professional organization events demonstrates contribution and growth. For inspection purposes, be sure to collect sign-in sheets, training handouts and more importantly demonstrate application of lessons learned to show proof of your involvement. Monthly lunch meetings, working groups and other opportunities are places where members of a similar community meet to learn or solve common problems. The National Industrial Security Program organizations include: Industrial Security Awareness Council (ISAC)  ISAC- ISAC is an informal, non-profit association of defense contractor, Defense Security Service, and Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel. It was formed to assist defense contractors in compliance with the National Industrial Security program and with the protection of classified and ...

FSOs should understand more than just the technical aspects of administering a security program.  Understanding how to mark, safeguard and disseminate classified information is important. However, the FSO should reach beyond the description of implementing a security program to safeguard classified material. The position also requires: 1.  Assessing risks to the classified material 2.  Interpreting safeguarding requirements 3.  Communicating and incorporating a culture of compliance within the organization 4.  Projecting the impact of classified contracts on the enterprise. To do this, the FSO should possess the vision and skills to see where the security program needs to go, how to get there and encourage a security vision from the senior executive level downward. Without the proper influence, the FSO is may not be able to run a program to protect classified material Effective tools include: • Helping form...

Classification markings are applied to the top and bottom, front and back of classified items. Markings are also found in internal pages, paragraphs and other locations inside documents, books, manuals and other paper based products. Here are the top reasons for marking classified information: Warn and inform a user that an item is indeed classified or sensitive Conveys what exactly needs protection  Identifies levels of classification or sensitivity Provides vital information and instruction on when to downgrade or declassify the material Gives sources and reason for classifying the item Warns of special access, control, dissemination or safeguarding requirements Find out more in DoD Security and Contracts Guidebook -What You Need to Know About Your Need to Know 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...