Security Executive Blog

We are continuing our analysis of the DSS’ The Self-Inspection Handbook for NISP Contractors to determine requirements and best practices for meeting them. Since Section M has multiple inspection points, we have broken them up into individual articles.  This update addresses using warning signs and inspections to ensure authorized introduction and removal of classified information.  Question 5-103: Are signs posted at all entries and exits warning that anyone entering or departing is subject to an inspection of their personal effects?   NISPOM 5-103 states “…The fact that persons who enter or depart the facility are subject to an inspection of their personal effects shall be conspicuously posted at all pertinent entries and exits.” Security through Denial, Deterrence, and Detection This notification is designed to both serve as a warning or deterrent to unauthorized introduction or removal of classified information. The actual inspection of p...

This section continues our discussion of the  DSS’ The Self-Inspection Handbook for NISP Contractors. Now we are in S ection M  Classified Storage. So, here is the question: 5-102a Is there a system of security checks at the close of each working day to ensure that classified material is secured?  Security checks help, period. However, they are only as good as the purpose they serve. Many times these checks are just a list of mundane actions forced on an employee to complete before they go home.  Many times the checks are performed by employees on a duty roster pulling the job for a week at a time leaving at various times of the day.  The real intent is to ensure classified information is locked up and inaccessible by uncleared personnel and those without need to know. Desktops, trash bins, printers, copiers are checked to ensure classified information has not been left unsecured. GSA approved security containers are checked an...

Facility Security Officers (FSO) should coordinate an annual self-inspection to ensure their organizations are equipped to conduct and capable of conducting continuous protection of classified information. A great tool FSOs or designated inspecting officers can use for preparing, conducting and documenting the self-inspection is DSS’ The Self-Inspection Handbook for NISP Contractors. The handbook identifies “Elements of Inspection” that are common to ALL cleared companies participating in the NISP. The five elements that pertain to ALL cleared defense contractors are: (A) Facility Security Clearance (FCL) (B) Access Authorizations (C) Security Education, (D) FOCI (E) Classification This section covering Classification will consist of multiple parts. Keep reading future newsletters and posts for the rest of the story. Part I First off, cleared defense contractor employees do not perform classification. That’s the government’s job. Classification is conducted by the Original Classifica...