Security Executive Blog

Remember the old saying? “Rank has its privilege”? It’s not always prudent to assume certain privileges just because you have means and intent. It’s not safe to assume just because you have access to government Information Technology (IT) systems as a manager or system administrator, for example, that you have the authority to do so anytime and for any reason. Use of government IT systems takes into consideration how an applicant has used technology on the job. Viewing pornography, working non-mission related tasks, hiding evidence, and harassing fellow employees while using employer computers are some indicators that an applicant could bring risk to sensitive information residing on information technology. Guideline M: Use Of Information Technology is a very important criteria since cleared employees must demonstrate the ability to follow rules and regulations . This is especially critical as more and more sensitive information resides on computers. Gaining unauthorized access, d...

Prior to travel, a cleared employee should have a good understanding of their responsibilities to protect sensitive information. This can include classified or unclassified information and military or dual use information. For defense contractors, protection of classified information is addressed in the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual ( NISPOM ), military technical data is covered by the International Traffic in Arms Regulation ( ITAR) and dual use technical data is protected under the Export Administration Regulation (EAR). Facility Security Officers (FSOs) and Exports Compliance Officers can train their travelling employees to protect technical and help them accept the responsibly to protect themselves, classified information, and technical information. Preparation for travel can be covered in 5 steps: 1. Ensure cleared employees notify their security office of all foreign business well in advance of a proposed travel date. This will prepare the employee ...

A former engineer with Boeing Company has pleaded guilty to possessing classified information in an unauthorized location. Does anyone want to guess where? Yes, that’s right, his house. He thought he could take the information home with him and work on it there. You can read more about the information in the article Boeing Engineer is found guilty . While many security managers are focused on good training and may think that they have it in the bag, don’t rest just yet. Chances are that the involved engineer is not the only one breaking the rules of safeguarding classified material. Those who work on classified contracts need to be reminded again and again how to do so while following the laws of our country. Let’s break this case down. Engineer has access to computer processing. He then down loads the information to a data stick and brings it home with him. Though he probably meant no harm, his actions created tons of it and he will be punished for it. Chance...