Security Executive Blog

Annual DSS Reviews as Metrics Inspections are typically conducted every 12 months for possessing and 18 months for non possessing facilities, but circumstances can require more or less frequent visits. DSS inspects the facility’s security program for the primary purposes of ensuring their programs provide the proper protection of classified information they are charged with protecting. Additionally, the inspection programs are designed to improve the effectiveness of the contractor’s security program. At the conclusion of the inspections, the contractor is given a rating ranging from unsatisfactory to superior:      • Unsatisfactory-indicates that the contractor has lost or is in the process of losing their ability to protect classified material.      • Marginal-indicates that a contractor is not meeting the requirements of NISPOM and has a substandard security program.      • Satisfactory-the m...

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...