Definitions

Balanced Magnetic Switch (BMS)

A Balanced Magnetic Switch is a two-part sensor that generates an alarm condition when a change in the magnetic field between the parts is detected. It can be mounted on the door and doorframe to detect opening of the door and provides better protection against a defeat attempt than a standard magnetic contact.

DCID 6/9

The US Director of Central Intelligence Directive No. 6/9 which specifies Physical Security Standards for Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs). For further information visit www.fas.org.

DISN (Defence Information System Network)

Integrated network, centrally managed and configured to provide long-haul information transfer services for all US Department of Defense activities. It is an information transfer utility designed to provide dedicated point-to-point, switched voice and data, imagery, and video teleconferencing services.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is electromagnetic energy that has an adverse effect on the performance of electrical/electronic equipment by creating undesirable responses or complete operational failure.

Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)

An Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) is caused by the detonation of an electromagnetic bomb or e-bomb. These devices are not directly responsible for the loss of life but the pulse disables all unprotected electronic equipment.

EMI/RFI Screened (or Shielded) Room

A room which is screened to protect the contents from electromagnetic and radio frequency interference.

JWICS

Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System - the sensitive compartmented information portion of the Defense Information System Network (DISN). It incorporates advanced networking technologies that permit point-to-point or multipoint information exchange involving voice, text, graphics, data, and video teleconferencing in a secure environment and includes NIPRnet, SIPRnet and JWICS.

KVM Switch

A hardware device that allows a user to control multiple computers from a single keyboard, monitor and mouse.

LKM7000 lock

A high security deadbolt lock with an override leaver to guarantee safe exit in an emergency. For further information visit www.lockmasters.com.

NIPRnet

Unclassified but Sensitive Internet Protocol Router Network (formerly called the Non-Classified Internet Protocol Router Network) - comprised of Internet Protocol routers owned by the US Department of Defense and used to exchange unclassified but sensitive information between "internal" users as well as providing users access to the Internet.

Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)

Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) is considered as part of the EMI spectrum, with interference signals being within the radio frequency (RF) range. This term was once used interchangeably with EMI. Conducted RFI is most often found in the low frequency range of several kHz to 30MHz. Radiated RFI is most often found in the frequency range from 30MHz to 10GHz.

Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)

Classified information or data concerning or derived from intelligence sources, methods or analytical processes, which is required to be handled exclusively within formal control systems established by the US Director of Central Intelligence.

Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF)

A secure area, room, group of rooms or building where SCI and other confidential data can be stored, used, discussed and electronically processed without being intercepted or overheard either physically or electronically.

SIPRnet

Secret Internet Protocol Router Network - the US Department of Defense's system of interconnected computer networks used to transmit classified information by packet switching over the TCP/IP protocols in a "completely secure" environment.

STC 45

Sound Transmission Class (STC) is the rating used to specify how well a partition, i.e. walls, ceilings and floors, attenuates sound transmission. A rating of STC 45 means that loud speech may be faintly heard but not understood and normal speech will not be heard.

TEMPEST

TEMPEST refers to external electromagnetic radiation from data processing equipment and the security measures used to prevent them. Almost all electronic equipment emanates signals into free space or surrounding conductive objects such as metal cabinets, wires and pipes. These signals can be picked up by unauthorised listeners. Equipment and rooms that meet TEMPEST requirements have extra shielding to prevent these data signals from escaping and being picked up externally.

TEMPEST was a code name for U.S. military operations throughout the 1960s. Later, it was turned into a couple of acronyms: Telecommunications Electronics Material Protected from Emanating Spurious Transmissions and Transient ElectroMagnetic Pulse Emanation STandard.