Spring Cleaning Your Security Habits
- Accel Innovation Corp.
- Mar 2
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 21
A Message from the Security Department
As we head into March, it’s time to "spring clean" our workspaces. In a cleared facility, a cluttered desk isn't just an organizational issue—it's a security risk that can lead to the accidental compromise of classified information. This month, we are focusing on physical security, our Clean Desk Policy, and the proper disposal of sensitive materials to ensure our facility remains compliant with NISPOM safeguarding requirements.
The Clean Desk Challenge
Under NISPOM requirements, every cleared employee is responsible for safeguarding the classified information entrusted to them. A "Clean Desk" ensures that unauthorized visitors or maintenance crews do not inadvertently view sensitive data.
Secure Daily: At the end of every day, all classified material must be secured in GSA-approved containers.
Double Check: Verify that your GSA container is fully rotated and locked before you leave.
Verify Fail-Secure: If you work in a closed area with electronic locks, ensure the door is fully latched as you exit to maintain the "fail-secure" posture.
Physical Security Maintenance
Spring cleaning includes identifying and reporting physical security vulnerabilities before they result in a violation.
Check Your Containers: Inspect your GSA-approved containers for structural integrity and report any that are difficult to lock or show signs of wear to the FSO immediately.
Clear the Path: Ensure that GSA containers are unobstructed and secured from tipping or external damage.
Report Hazards: Employees are expected to follow all security procedures and report any hazards or suspicious persons to the FSO.
Purge and Protect: Document Destruction
Do you have old, sensitive (but unclassified) notes or draft documents piling up? Now is the time to destroy them using approved methods.
Use Approved Methods: Use only company-provided shred bins or burn bags for sensitive material to ensure it is rendered unreadable.
Classified Destruction: Remember, Emergency Destruction of classified material is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized by the CSA/Contract.
Inventory Reduction: Minimize classified holdings when possible by destroying materials that are no longer required for contract performance.
Important Reminders Checklist
Prompt Self-Reporting: You must immediately report any suspected loss or compromise of classified information to the FSO.
Visit Access Request (VAR): If you are traveling to a government facility or visiting another cleared partner, you can't just show up and say 'I'm with AIC, I have a clearance.' VAR submission is needed ahead of time.
To submit a VAR, we will need this information:
Visit Name:
SMO/Cage Code:
SMO/Cage Code Location):
Clearance Access Level:
Start date & End date:
Reason:
POC Name:
POC Phone number:
POC Email:
Visit Notes:
Visitor Escort: Ensure all visitors are properly identified and escorted within secure areas.
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