In United States security and intelligence parlance, a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF; pronounced "skiff") is an enclosed area within a building that is used to process Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) level classified information. SCI is classified information concerning or derived from intelligence sources, methods, or analytical processes, which is required to be handled within formal access control systems established by the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI). Some entire buildings are SCIFs where all but the front foyer is secure. Access to SCIFs is limited, and all of the activity and conversation inside is presumed restricted from public disclosure. A SCIF can also be located in a mobile configuration and can be deployed using air, ground or maritime resources.
The physical construction, access control, and alarming of the facility is defined under Director of Central Intelligence Directive (DCID) 6/9, and was previously specified through DCID 1/21. The computers running within this facility must operate under rules set forth in DCID 6/3. Computers and telecommunication equipment within must fall within the TEMPEST emanations specification.
SCI is usually only briefed, discussed, and stored in an accredited SCIF. Moreover, programs handled under the SCI paradigm are normally not publicly acknowledged by the U.S. government.
There are SCIFs in the United States Capitol in which members of Congress are briefed on military secrets. In U.S. nuclear labs, computers that store weapons data are housed inside SCIFs. Components of the United States Department of Homeland Security, such as the new National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) at Fort Detrick, Maryland, have or will have SCIFs.
External links
- http://www.fas.org/irp/offdocs/dcid6-9.htm - DCID 6/9 Text: SCIF
- http://www.fas.org/irp/offdocs/DCID_6-3_20Manual.htm - DCID 6/3 Text: SCIF
- http://www.scifsolutions.com/ - SCIF Manufacturer US, delivers to EU, Central Asia and Pacific Theater as well.
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