What Is Industrial Security?

Industrial security is the foundation of Apollo Consulting, and something we pride ourselves on being experts in! You can think of industrial security as classified program management. It goes far beyond physical security standards, into deeper knowledge of managing and safeguarding sensitive and classified material and information, training, insider threat programs, and so much more. It’s a discipline all it’s own!

This multi-disciplinary field is often part of the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) which was established by Executive Order 12829 to ensure that cleared U.S. defense industry safeguards the classified information in their possession while performing work on contracts, programs, bids, or research and development efforts.

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) administers the NISP on behalf of the Department of Defense and 34 other federal agencies. There are an estimated 13,000 contractor facilities that are cleared for access to classified information under DCSA’s security oversight responsibilities. Each of those defense contractors must adhere to federal rules, regulations, and guidance; at the top of that list is the 32 CFR Part 117, National Industrial Security Program Operation Manual (NISPOM) Rule. So, an industrial security program must follow their internal company policies, contract guidance, and all federal rules as applicable, just to name a few requirements!

Here are some disciplines that are contained within industrial security: physical security, personnel security, facility security clearances, cybersecurity, classified material/information management, contract management, training, counterintelligence, insider threat management, and more as you obtain contract specifics.

Now, you might at this point feel a bit overwhelmed - that’s okay. Stepping into the industrial security realm can be very intimidating, even if you’ve been in the field for some time! Policy, guidance, contracts, and more are always changing. Typically the changes are for the better; we’re strengthening national security and defending against new and emerging threats as we roll through the changes coming from higher up. While positive, those changes can be a surprise and take time to implement within your own security program.

Apollo Consulting helps with everything we’ve discussed, so if you’re in need of some assistance, head over to our “Contact Us” page!