Scif Definition

Scif Definition

A sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF; pronounced /skɪf/), in United States military, national security/national defense and intelligence parlance, is an enclosed area within a building that is used to process sensitive compartmented information (SCI) types of classified information.

Can a SCIF have windows?

In most cases, SCIFs do not have windows, but if windows are approved by the accrediting official, visual line of sight mitigation measures must be taken into account.

What is a DoD SCIF?

A SCIF, or Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, is a secure place where sensitive information can be viewed and discussed to prevent outside surveillance or spying. SCIFs can be either permanent or temporary when lawmakers or military officials need to be briefed while traveling.

What is not allowed in a SCIF?

proceduresgoverningPEDsinSCIFsundertheircognizance. (SeesectionC.) Outside the United States, the risk to classified intelligence information is higher; therefore, personally owned PEDs are prohibited in SCIFs.

Can a SCIF be secret?

In short, SCIFs keep Top Secrets secret. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, a SCIF is any secure place, permanent or temporary, in which classified material “may be stored, used, discussed and/or electronically processed.”

How do you make a SCIF room?

Follow these six steps to make sure your SCIF is designed and built correctly the first time.
Step 1: Get a Government Sponsor. Step 2: Develop Pre-construction Documentation. Step 3: Develop the Facility Design. Step 4: Get Jurisdiction Approval. Step 5: Construct the SCIF. Step 6: Get Government Accreditation.

How much does a SCIF cost?

As a result, SCIFs are expensive to build. One contractor with experience in building SCIFs recently said the most basic facility costs $60 to $70 per square foot, about double the cost for conventional office space. SCIFs with the highest level of security can cost up to $300 per square foot.

Whats the difference between a SCIF and a Sapf?

SAPF typically refers to facilities for the Department of Defense, so facilities for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, or U.S. Marine Corps. SCIFs are typically for programs run by the Intelligence Community, but both SCIFs and SAPFs are built to the same specifications.

What are SCIF requirements?

That’s right—there are very specific, specialized requirements when it comes to construction a SCIF, particularly in terms of physical security, visual controls, acoustic controls, access control, electronic, and TEMPEST security.

Who can access a SCIF?

(1) Access to SCIFs is restricted to authorized personnel. Access control methods shall be approved by the AO.

What is Tempest for SCIF?

TEMPEST is a codename referring to investigations and studies of compromising emission (CE). Compromising emanations consist of electrical, mechanical, or acoustical energy intentionally or by mishap unintentionally emitted by any number of sources within equipment/ systems which process national security information.

What portable electronic devices PEDs are allowed in a SCIF?

What portable electronic devices (PEDs) are allowed in a Secure Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF)? Government-owned PEDs, if expressly authorized by your agency.

Are headphones allowed in a SCIF?

Wired externally-connected headsets without microphone capability are authorized on classified and unclassified computers in SCIFs and SAPFs.

How is sci marked?

SCI markings, or caveats, identify the specific compartment or compartments with which the material is affiliated. These caveats define the separation of SCI classified material from collateral classified material.

What is a Top Secret SCI clearance?

What is top secret or sensitive compartmented information clearance? TS/SCI clearance allows you to access sensitive information that is not available to the public. Sometimes, this can mean access to data, information or even technology that is only available to those with the appropriate clearance level.

What is a Sipr room?

• Secure Facilities and Spaces are designed and. operated to prevent unauthorized access to. equipment, installations, material, and documents; and to safeguard them against espionage, sabotage, damage, and theft.

Maya Lin-Takahashi
Author

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.