Security Executive Blog

This month the Office of  Director of National Intelligence  announced that a person's social media pages can be reviewed during the security clearance investigation process. You might remember that in an earlier article we had covered this possibility, explaining some of the red flags that could occur in social media content.  In the previous article, we discussed activities such as: pictures of partying, un-vetted non-US person friends or contacts, or other social media activity that could lead to questioning allegiance, decision making capability, or risky behavior could cause concern during an investigation. New Opportunities for Investigators Let's look at some other possibilities that could arise as a result of the new policy. In this new policy, the investigator could be forearmed with more information about the subject in a more timely manner. The social media pre-investigation research could provide a more aggressive investigation capability. The i...

Taking practice tests is the best way to prepare for an exam. Successful students in grade school and college study using guides and exam preparation questions based on the test subject material. This same successful methodology can also help prepare for professional exams like ISP Certification and SPeD Certification. DSS has study material and tests available for those who enrol, NCMS has test study material as well. Practice tests augment certification exam preparation. Red Bike Publishing's Unofficial Study Guide features four complete test length practice exams based on NISPOM. It could help you pass the ISP and SPeD certification exams. Try these questions to see how you do: 1. According to the NISPOM, when should a contractor sign a receipt for transmission of CONFIDENTIAL material? a. When sender deems it necessary b. Always per NISPOM c. When receiver requests receipt d. None of the above e. All the abo...

A secret is diluted by the square of the number of those who have heard it -Robert Half This article continues the series covering of the Defense Security Service (DSS) Self Inspection Handbook for NISP Contractors. Now we'll review the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) , Paragraph 5-303. This is another installation from the handbook under the topic of M. Classified Storage                                     Are supplemental controls in place for storage of SECRET material in Closed Areas?  The NISPOM states: 5-303. SECRET Storage. SECRET material shall be stored in a GSA-approved security container , an approved vault, or closed area. Supplemental controls are required for storage in closed areas. While those in the know understand what supplemental co...

Get your's here In this article continuing the coverage of the Defense Security Service (DSS) Self Inspection Handbook for NISP Contractors, we'll review the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) , Paragraph 5-313a. This is another installation from the handbook under the topic of M. Classified Storage                                     Do ID cards or badges used in conjunction with Automated Access Control Systems meet NISPOM standards? The NISPOM states: Automated Access Control Systems. The automated access control system must be capable of identifying the individual entering the area and authenticating that person’s authority to enter the area. a. Manufacturers of automated access control equipment or devices must assure in writing that their system will meet the fo...

Taking practice tests is the best way to prepare for an exam. Successful students in grade school and college study using guides and exam preparation questions based on the test subject material. This same successful methodology can also help prepare for professional exams like ISP Certification and SPeD Certification. DSS has study material and tests available for those who enrol, NCMS has test study material as well. Practice tests augment certification exam preparation. Red Bike Publishing's Unofficial Study Guide features four complete test length practice exams based on NISPOM. It could help you pass the ISP and SPeD certification exams. Try these questions to see how you do: 1.       Cl assified working papers generated by contractors in preparation of finished project shall be: a.             Dated when created b.          ...

In this article continuing the coverage of the Defense Security Service (DSS) Self Inspection Handbook for NISP Contractors, we'll review the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) , Paragraph 5-311a.                                     5-311a If any of your approved security containers have been repaired, do you have a signed and dated certification provided by the repairer setting forth the method of repair that was used? RESOURCE:  ISL 2006-01 Container Repairs under Industrial Security Letters at: http://www.cdse.edu/toolkits/fsos/safeguarding.html The NISPOM states: Repair of Approved Containers. Repairs, maintenance, or other actions that affect the physical integrity of a security container approved for storage of classified information shall be accomplished on...

www.redbikepublishing.com Earlier articles addressed documenting the authorized persons having access to the combinations. Determining who needs access to the combination is one part of a successful formula. This article addresses when to and who does change the combinations. In this article continuing the coverage of the Defense Security Service (DSS) Self Inspection Handbook for NISP Contractors, we'll review the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) , Paragraph 5-308b-d.                                                                         5-309  Are combinations to security containers cha...