Improving Home Security One Day At A Time

Creating A Functional SCIF

21 March 2018 by Oscar Marshall

Sensitive information must be protected from falling into the wrong hands. When this information is being discussed by authorized personnel, a secure area needs to be established where conversations can take place. These areas are often referred to as sensitive compartmented information facilities, or SCIFs. Setting up a SCIF requires that you pay close attention to a few important details.

1. Secure the perimeter.

A SCIF can be set up anywhere. Entire buildings can be converted into SCIFs, a single room within a larger facility can be utilized, and even an airplane or motor vehicle can be transformed into a SCIF. The first thing that needs to be done when establishing a SCIF is to secure the perimeter of the meeting space.

All entry points should be locked or monitored to prevent unauthorized personnel from gaining access to the SCIF. Creating a physical barrier that will prevent onlookers from peeking in by hanging curtains or covering windows can also be beneficial in creating a secure area.

2. Confiscate all personal electronic devices.

Once you have secured the perimeter of your SCIF, you need to ask all authorized personnel entering the area to surrender their personal electronic devices. Cell phones and personal computers or tablets can be used to take photographs of sensitive documents or record private conversations that take place within the SCIF,

By removing these devices prior to entry, you can help to ensure that all sensitive information exchanged within the SCIF remains between the authorized individuals in attendance.

3. Set up secure communications.

In order to ensure maximum protection when utilizing a SCIF to exchange sensitive information, you need to set up a secure communications network. This should include creating a dedicated telephone line that cannot be tapped or otherwise compromised during your meeting.

If you will need to access the Internet in order to complete research or present information in your meeting, you will need a private network complete with firewalls that prohibit hackers from obtaining the information exchanged within the confines of the SCIF. Setting up secure communications is a critical component in establishing a functional SCIF.

Taking precautions to protect the sensitive information that you share with authorized personnel is important. Set up a functional SCIF to serve as a secure meeting space so that you can rest assured knowing that your sensitive documents and data will remain out of the hands of unauthorized individuals in the future. To learn more, contact a business such as Allegiance Management. 

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