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 Will AI Impact the Future of Security?
Is AI something to fear, or a tool you can learn to use? Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is developing at a breakneck speed. While there are many innocuous uses, like using it to generate the most bizarre art prompts you can think of, it could pose a risk to your company security. At the same time, it could be harnessed to help strengthen your security. AI is evolving at such a rapid pace … [Read more...] about How Will AI Impact the Future of Security?
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
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?
How to Become an FSO and Succeed in the Job
The Facility Security Officer role is key to company and national security. Learn how to succeed as one The security industry is becoming known for plenty of opportunities to break into and climb the corporate ladder. Security is not limited to law enforcement but is needed in a variety of other branches like Homeland Security, FBI, DoD, the Department of Energy, etc. and for companies who … [Read more...] about How to Become an FSO and Succeed in the Job
Common Security Mistakes and How to Address Them
Don't let small security mistakes cause big issues for your company When working in a secure space or anywhere that is concerned about company security, there are some security procedures employees often don’t follow. While these mistakes may seem insignificant, they create vulnerabilities in company security, and the more vulnerabilities there are, the more an adversary can take advantage … [Read more...] about Common Security Mistakes and How to Address Them
