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
The Pros and Cons of Outsourcing SSM Responsibilities
How to know if outsourced Site Security Manager support is right for your project The Site Security Manager (SSM) is a central role to the completion of a SCIF or SAPF project. While the role does need to be filled by someone in-house, you can outsource SSM support services, which can help take over some of the SSM’s major responsibilities and offer guidance and expertise in other areas. So in … [Read more...] about The Pros and Cons of Outsourcing SSM Responsibilities
How to Fill Out Your Fixed Facility Checklist
An overview and tips to help you complete your FFC For any SCIF or SAPF construction projects, the ICD 705 Technical Specifications, or Tech Spec, requires that the Site Security Manager (SSM) completes a Fixed Facility Checklist (FFC) and submits it to the Accrediting Official (AO). This is a form that needs to be completed in full for every project seeking accreditation under the ICD 705. … [Read more...] about How to Fill Out Your Fixed Facility Checklist
How Much Does It Cost To Build a SCIF or SAPF?
The top factors and applications that increase the price of building a SCIF https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ge-iPg8FuF8 There’s a lot more to building a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF, pronounced “skiff”) than you might think—at the very least, it requires physical security, acoustic protections, visual controls, mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) systems, electronic access … [Read more...] about How Much Does It Cost To Build a SCIF or SAPF?
SCIF Accreditation Hurdles and How To Overcome Them
Navigate and avoid the most common hurdles in the SCIF/SAPF accreditation process. The final step in having an operating Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF, pronounced “skiff”) is getting it approved for accreditation. Oftentimes, SCIF building projects can come up against hurdles in the accreditation phase that result in costly delays. According to the ICD 705 Tech Spec, the … [Read more...] about SCIF Accreditation Hurdles and How To Overcome Them
What are Waveguides?
An overview of the common TEMPEST mitigation If your SCIF or SAPF is going to be processing secure information, you will have to be concerned with adding means to addressing TEMPEST concerns. TEMPEST is the unclassified short name for the study, investigation and mitigation of unintended emanations, or intelligence-bearing signals that can escape the facility and be picked up by outsiders to … [Read more...] about What are Waveguides?