Security Executive Blog

The term Cleared Defense Contractor ,might conjure images of large complexes, with a healthy security staff, plenty of closed areas, labs and conference rooms. However, there are many, many more contractors that are just a few employees with great ambition, drive and ideas. In some cases, smaller and less experienced defense contractors may not be as proficient in executing security responsibilities. Full time FSOs understand a little about the requirements of a DD Form 254 and how to protect ITAR controlled technical information. But, knowing how to interpret and apply the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual ( NISPOM) let alone the Federal Acquisitions Regulation it is something that takes time. I travel to many defense contractors working on cutting edge research and development efforts. These defense contractors have been as large as thousands of employees and as small as three scientists in a converted school house. Think Apple in their garage years; state...

Classified information should only be reproduced in response to a contractual requirement such as in the performance of a deliverable. Reproduction should not be made as a matter of convenience as it puts classified information at unnecessary risk and it requires dedicated resources. The FSO can enforce resource discipline with: 1.  Creating processes and procedures identifying reproduction only as necessary and using only approved equipment 2. Ensuring only trained and authorized personnel are able to reproduce classified information. 3. Identifying office equipment, copy machines, scanners and other reproduction equipment for classified information reproduction. All other enterprise equipment should be off limits to classified reproduction. This can be accomplished through signs identifying authorized equipment as “Approved for Classified Production at the _______ level”. Other equipment would be identified as “Not au...

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...