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  We are pleased to present the newest podcast. In this issue, we address security certification and security training because; New Year's Resolutions.

 ISP® AND ISOC Master Exam Prep is now available here and at most online book stores.

Also, we've provided real world security discussions and frequently asked questions. These occasions have proven to be good opportunities to clarify understanding of security policies and the reasons we do what we do.  We would love to hear your stories as well. 

    We hope you continue to learn and benefit from our newsletter and products. If you are, please refer us to a friend or forward this newsletter with our appreciation.  Stop by our advertisers websites as well. You just might find what you are looking for. 

 Have you taken the next step to being competitive in the government contracts arena? If not, this article will provide information and tips based on a proven method of studying for and passing the exam. 

Why earn a certification?

There are several reasons to achieve certification. One of which allows cleared defense contractor owners and employees to take advantage of opportunities offered in the recent Presidential Executive Order: National Security Professional Development. The Executive order states: "In order to enhance the national security of the United States...it is the policy of the United States to promote the education, training, and experience of current and future professionals in national security positions (security professionals)..."

The National Strategy identified in the Executive Order provides a plan to give security professionals access t

FSO Consulting:
https://thriveanalysis.com/nisp/

We provide facility security clearance, personnel security clearance, FSO consulting and NISPOM consulting.

Personnel Security Clearances

• How to get a clearance
• What to expect once you get a clearance
• What you can do to prepare for a clearance

Facility Security Clearance

✓Become a CDC Contractor

✓Determine security requirements for SECRET, TOP SECRET and SCI Clearances

✓Establish a security team to protect classified information

✓Develop and provide required security training

✓Prepare for government inspections

✓Interpret Contract specifications

✓Fight Insider threat

✓Learn Security clearance levels

✓Process Classified information

✓Prepare Derivative Classification

✓Provide required Security Training

✓Appointing a Facility Security Officer

✓Prepare for Government Audits

Security Clearance and NISPOM consulting

 Careers in Cleared Defense Contractors:
I receive a lot of emails from people who wonder how to get into the Cleared Defense Contractor field. Many are looking for a career change and are curious about what kind of education and experience is needed to work as a security specialist in the defense and contractor industry.  

   Industrial security is an outstanding field for someone with all ranges of experience to enter into. Some have been hired at an entry level job and have received promotions and additional responsibilities. Others have transferred full time to security after enjoying serving in an additional duty capacity. Career growth occurs as the contract and company expands or the employee takes on more responsibilities after hiring on with another company. Security managers can also move to higher level security positions as chief security officer or corporate security officer as experience meets opportunity.

Consulting:   
Consultants are hired by a company to fill a need the organization is not prepared to meet.  The consultants share office furniture, the water cooler and are hopefully made to feel as part of the team.  In spite of being a well respected contributor to the cause, consultants do not always enjoy the same benefits of a regular employee.  However, this difference should occur when working on classified contracts the consultant has been hire to perform on.

     Simply stated, though a consultant is not a regular employee, the NISPOM considers them an employee of the company that they represent.  The contractor is expected to maintain the consultant’s clearance and ass

FSO Consulting:
https://thriveanalysis.com/nisp/

We provide facility security clearance, personnel security clearance, FSO consulting and NISPOM consulting.

Personnel Security Clearances

• How to get a clearance
• What to expect once you get a clearance
• What you can do to prepare for a clearance

Facility Security Clearance

✓Become a CDC Contractor

✓Determine security requirements for SECRET, TOP SECRET and SCI Clearances

✓Establish a security team to protect classified information

✓Develop and provide required security training

✓Prepare for government inspections

✓Interpret Contract specifications

✓Fight Insider threat

✓Learn Security clearance levels

✓Process Classified information

✓Prepare Derivative Classification

✓Provide required Security Training

✓Appointing a Facility Security Officer

✓Prepare for Government Audits

Security Clearance and NISPOM consulting

     In this issue, we've provided real world security discussions. These occasions have proven to be good opportunities to clarify understanding of security policies and the reasons we do what we do.
     Preparing for growth involves the FSO not only training and hiring security employees, but accurately calculating classified inventory storage and work performance needs. Meeting legitimate growth is another area where an FSO should be injected into strategic planning. Classified contract opportunities present themselves in many variations.
     Potential security professionals should not only be U.S. citizens with security clearances, but demonstrate competence in the tasks they are asked to do and a desire to perform. They should also have the ability to grasp and teach concepts of security to help keep the security fresh in the corporate culture.
     During the certification training, the new employee can enroll in government provided on-line and residence training, lessons provided by company personnel and directly under their manager's supervision.
       The end of day security checklists play a critical role in protecting classified items as well as personal, proprietary and company sensitive material. The end of day checklist is a procedure required in the NISPOM and other federal agency regulations. However, they could be implemented in any situation where privileged or sensitive items prove vulnerable to theft or espionage.
           "What defines this room as approved for open storage?" I had asked w

FSO Consulting:
https://thriveanalysis.com/nisp/

We provide facility security clearance, personnel security clearance, FSO consulting and NISPOM consulting.

Personnel Security Clearances

• How to get a clearance
• What to expect once you get a clearance
• What you can do to prepare for a clearance

Facility Security Clearance

✓Become a CDC Contractor

✓Determine security requirements for SECRET, TOP SECRET and SCI Clearances

✓Establish a security team to protect classified information

✓Develop and provide required security training

✓Prepare for government inspections

✓Interpret Contract specifications

✓Fight Insider threat

✓Learn Security clearance levels

✓Process Classified information

✓Prepare Derivative Classification

✓Provide required Security Training

✓Appointing a Facility Security Officer

✓Prepare for Government Audits

Security Clearance and NISPOM consulting

ITAR issues

A few years ago I facilitated a short but very rewarding eight hour seminar on the International Traffic In Arms Regulation (ITAR) Overview. I am grateful to the staff at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the North Alabama Trade Association for both sponsoring the event and allowing me to present. I found the course rewarding as I presented to a mixed audience of 30 professionals ranging from shipping and receiving specialists to executive vice presidents. The mix also consisted of professionals with various degrees of know-how as consultants, attorneys, technology control officers and those brand new to the field shared experiences and learned from one another. As a compliance officer in various disciplines, I have had the privilege of leading security and compliance teams and seminars on multiple topics

Though this was my first of hopefully many export regulations seminars, I noticed the similar need in the compliance field. Regardless of the discipline, compliance works best when driven from the top down. No matter the program a compliance officer intends to build or support, Influence is key when developing it whether security, privacy protection, safety, export, etc. Experience and technical savvy are great to have however, minus influence; the person is just an administrator playing catch-up in a crucial game.
 Let’s test your knowledge of international operations. The following situation is pure fiction, but is based on issues facing businesses everyday. This situation is tricky enough with unclassified contracts, but the addition of possible classified work may complicate the issue. Try to answer the following question:

FSO Consulting:
https://thriveanalysis.com/nisp/

We provide facility security clearance, personnel security clearance, FSO consulting and NISPOM consulting.

Personnel Security Clearances

• How to get a clearance
• What to expect once you get a clearance
• What you can do to prepare for a clearance

Facility Security Clearance

✓Become a CDC Contractor

✓Determine security requirements for SECRET, TOP SECRET and SCI Clearances

✓Establish a security team to protect classified information

✓Develop and provide required security training

✓Prepare for government inspections

✓Interpret Contract specifications

✓Fight Insider threat

✓Learn Security clearance levels

✓Process Classified information

✓Prepare Derivative Classification

✓Provide required Security Training

✓Appointing a Facility Security Officer

✓Prepare for Government Audits

Security Clearance and NISPOM consulting

I am currently preparing to publish my new book, "How to Win U.S. Government Contracts and Classified Work", it's basically a total revision of "DoD Security Clearance and Contracts Guidebook". Chapter Five reviews the Executive Orders and regulations relating to Classification Markings and there is some good information from all sources. 

I believe this is fundamental to the profession of anyone working on classified contracts. Understanding why and how information is classified is vital to knowing exactly what to protect and how. There are a few hard and fast rules for classifying information.

It is a fantastic idea to maintain a data set of security breaches, violations, reports of compromise or suspected compromise. However, this data rarely leaves their office. Because of the sensitive nature, it is held closely either for fear of retribution or fear of embarrassment. In truth, there is no retribution for security violation reports and information contained could be very valuable for security awareness. The security manager will probably have information detailing the frequency of violations, the persons committing the violations, resolutions and training to correct the behavior. This security manager could use the information to specifically train the business unit to inform them of the infraction, as well as provide details for the annual security awareness training.

See our website for downloadable training slides for your company. Our training includes Derivative Classifier,

FSO Consulting:
https://thriveanalysis.com/nisp/

We provide facility security clearance, personnel security clearance, FSO consulting and NISPOM consulting.

Personnel Security Clearances

• How to get a clearance
• What to expect once you get a clearance
• What you can do to prepare for a clearance

Facility Security Clearance

✓Become a CDC Contractor

✓Determine security requirements for SECRET, TOP SECRET and SCI Clearances

✓Establish a security team to protect classified information

✓Develop and provide required security training

✓Prepare for government inspections

✓Interpret Contract specifications

✓Fight Insider threat

✓Learn Security clearance levels

✓Process Classified information

✓Prepare Derivative Classification

✓Provide required Security Training

✓Appointing a Facility Security Officer

✓Prepare for Government Audits

Security Clearance and NISPOM consulting

An FSO can train and write NIPSOM based policy and training, but without the enterprise’s full cooperation, will find it difficult to enforce.

The coordination will allow the FSO to be proactive and better support the company's performance on classified contracts. Having a security program integrated into all aspects of the company produces award winning situations and dramatically reduces security violations.

Prior to travel, a cleared employee should have a good understanding of their responsibilities to protect national security. Though usually snuggled into Security Awareness Training, A Defensive Security Briefing should also be "stand along" and for those who travel overseas and possibly vulnerable to foreign entity recruiting methods. This training should be constructed to make the cleared traveler aware of their responsibilities to protect employees, product, customers and those with which they do business. Topics of the defense security briefing should include threat recognition, how to assess and how to respond when approached for recruitment

Here are a few common security clearance misconceptions:
 I have a bad past
 Everyone will see my personal secrets
 Security clearances cost a lot of money

Websites and mentions:
 

FSO Consulting:
https://thriveanalysis.com/nisp/

We provide facility security clearance, personnel security clearance, FSO consulting and NISPOM consulting.

Personnel Security Clearances

• How to get a clearance
• What to expect once you get a clearance
• What you can do to prepare for a clearance

Facility Security Clearance

✓Become a CDC Contractor

✓Determine security requirements for SECRET, TOP SECRET and SCI Clearances

✓Establish a security team to protect classified information

✓Develop and provide required security training

✓Prepare for government inspections

✓Interpret Contract specifications

✓Fight Insider threat

✓Learn Security clearance levels

✓Process Classified information

✓Prepare Derivative Classification

✓Provide required Security Training

✓Appointing a Facility Security Officer

✓Prepare for Government Audits

Security Clearance and NISPOM consulting

We are so happy to have with us on our podcast  David Bledsoe David Bledsoe. 

He is the Manager of Industrial Security Compliance at Iron Mountain. In his job, he has oversight of 17 cleared facilities across the country, and provides training, leadership, and education to the local FSOs. We talk about security clearances  background checks and working with customers on classified contract requirements. Iron Mountain is the world’s trusted partner for storage and information systems management and provides security storage, destruction, transportation and more.

An interview with a defense contractor security manager. What people with security clearances do and how security programs are implemented.

Websites relevant to the interview.
www.redbikepublishing.com. security clearances, books, and training.
www.bennettinstitute.com.  security clearance information and education for security managers.
 

FSO Consulting:
https://thriveanalysis.com/nisp/

We provide facility security clearance, personnel security clearance, FSO consulting and NISPOM consulting.

Personnel Security Clearances

• How to get a clearance
• What to expect once you get a clearance
• What you can do to prepare for a clearance

Facility Security Clearance

✓Become a CDC Contractor

✓Determine security requirements for SECRET, TOP SECRET and SCI Clearances

✓Establish a security team to protect classified information

✓Develop and provide required security training

✓Prepare for government inspections

✓Interpret Contract specifications

✓Fight Insider threat

✓Learn Security clearance levels

✓Process Classified information

✓Prepare Derivative Classification

✓Provide required Security Training

✓Appointing a Facility Security Officer

✓Prepare for Government Audits

Security Clearance and NISPOM consulting

We discuss the security clearance investigation and the importance of protecting classified information.
You can support our show by buying Insider's Guide to Security Clearances https://amzn.to/2JUjnIc

This is great for dod security professionals, industrial security professionals, those who have questions about dod security clearances, and much more. 
Did you know that employees with security clearances make up to 15% more than their counterparts? 

• But many people don't apply for security clearance jobs because they are worried about their past.
• Many don't apply because they don't understand the process.

Insider's Guide to Security Clearances answers your questions and walks the reader through the process.

It's like having a security clearance roadmap and a private guide.

What I've learned after over two decades in the field is that fear and misunderstandings stop people from making good career decisions such as applying for security clearance jobs. Just like any career goal or dream, you can probably list a few reasons why you should give up before you even try. Here are a few common misconceptions:

• I have a bad past; so they won't give me a clearance. 
• Everyone will see my personal secrets
• Security clearances cost a lot of money
• It takes years to get a security clearance
• Security clearances are too competitive; they'll never give me one

None of these are true. Insider's Guide to Security Clearance gives you the real information and solutions you need to go after that security clearance job.

Inside you'll find answers to your security clearance questions and information you can use immediately. 

My name is Jeff Bennett and I've been working with a security clearance for decades. I understand the system well and want to share with you my knowledge. I've taught courses in college, given security training to corporations, led security teams, and written many books on the subject. I think you will be pleased with this book. If you like it, please provide a review and recommend it to your friends.

FSO Consulting:
https://thriveanalysis.com/nisp/

We provide facility security clearance, personnel security clearance, FSO consulting and NISPOM consulting.

Personnel Security Clearances

• How to get a clearance
• What to expect once you get a clearance
• What you can do to prepare for a clearance

Facility Security Clearance

✓Become a CDC Contractor

✓Determine security requirements for SECRET, TOP SECRET and SCI Clearances

✓Establish a security team to protect classified information

✓Develop and provide required security training

✓Prepare for government inspections

✓Interpret Contract specifications

✓Fight Insider threat

✓Learn Security clearance levels

✓Process Classified information

✓Prepare Derivative Classification

✓Provide required Security Training

✓Appointing a Facility Security Officer

✓Prepare for Government Audits

Security Clearance and NISPOM consulting

Dr. Dan talks with Cherokee County Department of Social Services Director Amanda McGee and DSS Attorney Andria Duncan about past problems and positive changes.

Amanda McGee (2 of 3)
Amanda McGee (3 of 3)

Dr. Dan talks with Cherokee County Department of Social Services Director Amanda McGee and DSS Attorney Andria Duncan about past problems and positive changes.

Amanda McGee (1 of 3)
Amanda McGee (3 of 3)

Dr. Dan talks with Cherokee County Department of Social Services Director Amanda McGee and DSS Attorney Andria Duncan about past problems and positive changes.

Amanda McGee (1 of 3)
Amanda McGee (2 of 3)

Anchor points, counterintelligence, smart security, Defensive Information Countering Everything.
Ray Semko is a security educator and a professional public speaker who is nationally known for his popular and motivating D*I*C*E security awareness briefings which he has been providing to American audiences for over twenty years.

www.redbikepublishing.com

FSO Consulting:
https://thriveanalysis.com/nisp/

We provide facility security clearance, personnel security clearance, FSO consulting and NISPOM consulting.

Personnel Security Clearances

• How to get a clearance
• What to expect once you get a clearance
• What you can do to prepare for a clearance

Facility Security Clearance

✓Become a CDC Contractor

✓Determine security requirements for SECRET, TOP SECRET and SCI Clearances

✓Establish a security team to protect classified information

✓Develop and provide required security training

✓Prepare for government inspections

✓Interpret Contract specifications

✓Fight Insider threat

✓Learn Security clearance levels

✓Process Classified information

✓Prepare Derivative Classification

✓Provide required Security Training

✓Appointing a Facility Security Officer

✓Prepare for Government Audits

Security Clearance and NISPOM consulting

An interview with Ray Semko world renown security and counter-intelligence speaker and trainer.

Ray Semko is a security educator and a professional public speaker who is nationally known for his popular and motivating D*I*C*E security awareness briefings which he has been providing to American audiences for over twenty years.

FSO Consulting:
https://thriveanalysis.com/nisp/

We provide facility security clearance, personnel security clearance, FSO consulting and NISPOM consulting.

Personnel Security Clearances

• How to get a clearance
• What to expect once you get a clearance
• What you can do to prepare for a clearance

Facility Security Clearance

✓Become a CDC Contractor

✓Determine security requirements for SECRET, TOP SECRET and SCI Clearances

✓Establish a security team to protect classified information

✓Develop and provide required security training

✓Prepare for government inspections

✓Interpret Contract specifications

✓Fight Insider threat

✓Learn Security clearance levels

✓Process Classified information

✓Prepare Derivative Classification

✓Provide required Security Training

✓Appointing a Facility Security Officer

✓Prepare for Government Audits

Security Clearance and NISPOM consulting

Regarding each of the 13 Adjudicative Criteria, the applicant should gather all information available to explain the behavior that could cause a denial of a security clearance. The information should be presented during follow up interviews or as requested for review. Being well prepared will help with the adjudicative process and may result in a favorable decision. However, a lack of preparation may not fare so well. Remember, the adjudicator makes decisions with the priority being on risk to national security.

The adjudicators consider the following as they try to make a decision as to whether or not the applicant will be a national security risk. They make security clearance decisions based on interest to national security. Consequently, the applicant is required to demonstrate they are not a threat to national security and should provide artifacts demonstrating that though they may have been a risk to national security at one point, that risk has been mitigated.

FSO Consulting:
https://thriveanalysis.com/nisp/

We provide facility security clearance, personnel security clearance, FSO consulting and NISPOM consulting.

Personnel Security Clearances

• How to get a clearance
• What to expect once you get a clearance
• What you can do to prepare for a clearance

Facility Security Clearance

✓Become a CDC Contractor

✓Determine security requirements for SECRET, TOP SECRET and SCI Clearances

✓Establish a security team to protect classified information

✓Develop and provide required security training

✓Prepare for government inspections

✓Interpret Contract specifications

✓Fight Insider threat

✓Learn Security clearance levels

✓Process Classified information

✓Prepare Derivative Classification

✓Provide required Security Training

✓Appointing a Facility Security Officer

✓Prepare for Government Audits

Security Clearance and NISPOM consulting

One of the best ways to protect proprietary, export controlled, or other sensitive information is through a communications strategy. Learn what a communication strategy is and how to apply it in today's podcast.

FSO Consulting:
https://thriveanalysis.com/nisp/

We provide facility security clearance, personnel security clearance, FSO consulting and NISPOM consulting.

Personnel Security Clearances

• How to get a clearance
• What to expect once you get a clearance
• What you can do to prepare for a clearance

Facility Security Clearance

✓Become a CDC Contractor

✓Determine security requirements for SECRET, TOP SECRET and SCI Clearances

✓Establish a security team to protect classified information

✓Develop and provide required security training

✓Prepare for government inspections

✓Interpret Contract specifications

✓Fight Insider threat

✓Learn Security clearance levels

✓Process Classified information

✓Prepare Derivative Classification

✓Provide required Security Training

✓Appointing a Facility Security Officer

✓Prepare for Government Audits

Security Clearance and NISPOM consulting

Drug Involvement is one of the 13 adjudicative criteria which could lead to the denial or revocation of a security clearance. Even so, marijuana and opioids continue to be a concern for many applicants.

While drug involvement can raise questions about loyalty, reliability, and ability to protect classified information for initial security clearance assessments, how do they validate drug use? Are drug tests required? How do you report drug usage?

FSO Consulting:
https://thriveanalysis.com/nisp/

We provide facility security clearance, personnel security clearance, FSO consulting and NISPOM consulting.

Personnel Security Clearances

• How to get a clearance
• What to expect once you get a clearance
• What you can do to prepare for a clearance

Facility Security Clearance

✓Become a CDC Contractor

✓Determine security requirements for SECRET, TOP SECRET and SCI Clearances

✓Establish a security team to protect classified information

✓Develop and provide required security training

✓Prepare for government inspections

✓Interpret Contract specifications

✓Fight Insider threat

✓Learn Security clearance levels

✓Process Classified information

✓Prepare Derivative Classification

✓Provide required Security Training

✓Appointing a Facility Security Officer

✓Prepare for Government Audits

Security Clearance and NISPOM consulting

Today host @d_twit welcomes a self-avowed #POOLIGAN who just so happens to have spent a lifetime protecting others. Michael tells us about his life-long career in law enforcement, from his beginning as a police office in Louisiana to finding his calling at the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service. From his insights into the many places he visited, to his unique insights into what happend and who was at fault in Benghazi, to his view on today's State Department -- you'll be riveted by this very special guest and his impressive life of service.