An overview of when FCLs and PCLs need to be upgraded, and how the process works For both Personnel Clearances (PCLs) and Facility Clearances (FCLs), there are times where a clearance needs to be upgraded to respond to changing needs of a contract or mission. When you need a clearance upgrade, you don’t want to risk extending that process any longer than it needs to be. Understanding the … [Read more...] about The Process of Upgrading Your Facility or Personnel Clearance Level
What is FOCI in security?
An overview of Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence and what it means for your cleared facility Because of the nature of national security, businesses seeking a clearance who have some level of Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI) must report it to the government. In most circumstances, this will mean you are required to have some level of mitigation to ensure the data you’re … [Read more...] about What is FOCI in security?
An Overview of The DD 441 and SF 328
How these two forms relate to your FCL, plus common mistakes in filling them out Both the DD 441 and SF 328 are important forms for obtaining your Facility Clearance (FCL). On their face, they’re short and straightforward documents that you should be able to fill out with relative ease. However, that doesn’t mean they can be written off as something that you don’t need to pay attention to. … [Read more...] about An Overview of The DD 441 and SF 328
What We Know so Far About the DISS to NBIS Transition
Why the change is happening, what will be different, and how to get your NBIS login credentials The DCSA announced that the industry would be transitioning from the Defense Information System for Security (DISS) to the National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) system in early 2022, and at the time said this transition would begin on April 1 of that year. Currently, the NBIS rollout has … [Read more...] about What We Know so Far About the DISS to NBIS Transition
How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
Tips on how to protect your PII to keep it out of scammers’ hands Identity theft remains the most common type of fraud in the U.S., and having your identity stolen can come with a hefty price tag or cost you your credit score. There were more than 1.1 million reports of identity theft made to the Federal Trade Commission in 2022. Typically, criminals will attempt to steal your information … [Read more...] about How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
The Importance of Understanding the NISPOM
Why reading this long document matters and tips on how to be better informed on security policies The NISPOM (National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual), or 32 CFR Part 117, NISPOM, is the foundational cornerstone that enables Facility Security Officers (FSOs) to do their jobs well. It outlines a variety of protocols including how to maintain facility clearances (FCLs), what to do … [Read more...] about The Importance of Understanding the NISPOM
How Does Someone Become an Insider Threat?
Know how to prevent insider threat by knowing what to look for Insider threats are a major danger to organizations. In the last two years, the cost of an insider threat incident has risen 44% to $15.38 million per incident on average, according to the 2022 Ponemon Cost of Insider Threats Global Reports. An insider threat can compromise your company’s security, leak proprietary information or … [Read more...] about How Does Someone Become an Insider Threat?
How Does Acoustic Testing Work for SCIFs?
An overview of E366 testing and more for SCIFs and SAPFs When you’re discussing classified information, you can’t risk it being overheard. Because of this, acoustic protection is a crucial part of security for a SCIF or SAPF. Depending on where your facility is built, your Certified TEMPEST Technical Authority (CTTA) or Accrediting Official (AO) will determine what risk you face and what … [Read more...] about How Does Acoustic Testing Work for SCIFs?
What Situations Should You Report While Traveling?
Examples of situations that should be reported to an FSO while you’re traveling abroad Your foreign travel reporting requirements don’t end with letting your Facility Security Officer (FSO) know you’re headed out on vacation. While you’re there, you can’t turn off your security brain completely. You have to remain on the lookout for suspicious behaviors that could put the classified information … [Read more...] about What Situations Should You Report While Traveling?
