When and why do you need a Temporary Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility? T-SCIFs, or Temporary Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities, are a type of facility deployed when a regular SCIF can’t meet the needs of a mission or program. They are not a way around having to follow the strict requirements for a SCIF found in the ICD 705 Technical Specifications, or Tech Spec, but … [Read more...] about The Benefits of a T-SCIF
Who’s in Charge of Site Security?
An overview of the role project managers, site superintendents and SSMs play in site security How do you know your building site is secure? Especially when you’re constructing a secure facility that’s housing classified or top-secret information, it’s extremely important to have the right experts in charge to ensure you meet all the necessary safety and accreditation criteria and avoid the … [Read more...] about Who’s in Charge of Site Security?
A Shift Is Coming in the TEMPEST World
An Adamo security expert explains what the DIA RF memo says about how we’re handling TEMPEST concerns by Phil Chance In November 2022—seemingly out of the blue—the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) issued a memo declaring all SCIFS, whether currently accredited or not, and all future SCIFS will be required to have approved Radio Frequency (RF) shielding on all floors, ceilings, walls, … [Read more...] about A Shift Is Coming in the TEMPEST World
How Do You Renovate a SCIF to Add RF Shielding?
As RF requirements for SCIFs become standard, what does it take to add protection? The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) issued and quickly rescinded a memo late last year that all future SCIFs would be required to have approved Radio Frequency (RF) shielding. However, they recommended that all future SCIFs consider RF shielding for any new SCIF construction as a “future cost-saving measure.” … [Read more...] about How Do You Renovate a SCIF to Add RF Shielding?
An Overview of ICD 705-Approved Locking Hardware for SCIF and SAPF
What makes the spin-dial lock for SCIFs different from commercial locks? When constructing a SCIF or SAPF, layers of security are incredibly important for the facility’s Security in Depth (SID). One of the most crucial layers is the primary entrance door, since it is the first defense against unauthorized people trying to breach the facility. Because of this, the standards for the door hardware … [Read more...] about An Overview of ICD 705-Approved Locking Hardware for SCIF and SAPF
What is TSCM Testing?
An overview of Technical Surveillance Countermeasure testing and its role in SCIF and SAPF security A Technical Surveillance Countermeasure (TSCM) is a sweep through a secure facility searching for bugs or other types of electronic surveillance. This is a highly specialized test that many SCIF and SAPFs don’t require, but for those that do, the team performing the sweep needs to be highly … [Read more...] about What is TSCM Testing?
An Overview of RF Concerns for SCIFs and SAPFs
Why radio frequency shielding is an increasingly important part of SCIF and SAPF security Unintentional emanations have been a security concern since WWII, but in an increasingly technologically dependent and online world, that concern has multiplied. Radio Frequency (RF) shielding is being included in more SCIF and SAPF construction projects to keep adversaries from taking advantage of signals … [Read more...] about An Overview of RF Concerns for SCIFs and SAPFs
An Acronym Guide for SCIFs and SAPF Construction
High security has a lot of acronyms to keep straight; here are some of the most important to know If there’s one thing the government loves, it’s acronyms. If you work in the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) or Special Access Program Facility (SAPF) construction space in any capacity, the odds are you hear a lot of acronyms being thrown around on a daily basis. Here’s a guide … [Read more...] about An Acronym Guide for SCIFs and SAPF Construction
An Overview of ICD 705 Penetrations Requirements
What does the Tech Spec say about penetrations in SCIFs and SAPFs? Whenever cables, plumbing, vents or other utilities need to enter or leave a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, or SCIF, a vulnerability is created. These penetrations create both an acoustic and TEMPEST concern because without the proper protections in place, sound or unintentional emanations can leave the facility … [Read more...] about An Overview of ICD 705 Penetrations Requirements
