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View DCSA prepares for security training URL migration

LINTHICUM, Md. - By the end of June, the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) will transition the Security Training, Education, and Professionalization Portal (STEPP) and the Security Awareness Hub (SAH) platforms to new URLs under DCSA owned domains.URL changes will not impact the...

June 23, 2025

View CDSE: Developing tomorrow's security leaders through advanced education

LINTHICUM, Md. – The Education Division, within the Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE), builds future security leaders as the premier provider of online higher education for the Department of Defense (DOD) and the U.S. government security community.As part of the Security Training...

June 20, 2025

View DCSA Personnel Security Specialist honored with DoD award

Jennifer C. Walsh, Performance Improvement Officer, Director, Administration and Management, presents a Spirit of Service Recognition award to Dianna M. Wilson during the Department of Defense Spirit of Service ceremony, a celebration of public service at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., May 7, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Mr. Leroy Council)

Each spring, during Public Service Recognition Week, the Pentagon pauses to spotlight a few extraordinary individuals whose quiet, steady dedication often goes unseen. This year, among those recognized is Dianna Wilson, a Personnel Security Specialist at the Defense Counterintelligence and Security...

June 16, 2025

View DCSA launches survey to enhance applicant experience with electronic forms

Quantico, Va. - The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is committed to providing a seamless customer experience for all applicants navigating our electronic forms and applications. To support this commitment, DCSA launched a new survey to gather valuable feedback from applicants...

June 12, 2025

View DCSA announces 2025 Donnelly Award winners

QUANTICO, Va. – The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Jack Donnelly Award for Excellence in Counterintelligence. Four facilities were selected for the award, and the winners were announced at the annual NCMS training seminar on June...

June 11, 2025

View DCSA announces 2025 Cogswell Award winners

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 James S. Cogswell Outstanding Industrial Security Achievement Award. Fifteen facilities were selected for the award, and the winners were announced at the annual NCMS training seminar on June...

June 11, 2025

Video by Christopher Gillis

NISPOM RULE Video Series #6: Security In-Depth

Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency

Feb. 14, 2022 | 5:47

Security in Depth (SID) refers to the multiple layers of security used to safeguard an asset. These security measures function in concentric layers, much like an onion, utilizing a combination of different technologies and security operations to protect against physical threats and forced entries. At their best, these layers should deter, detect, delay and deny unauthorized intrusions. This video will help explain what SID is, Why it is important, how to implement SID, and how it is approved.

On February 24, 2021, 32 CFR Part 117, “National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM)” became effective as a federal rule. Referred to as the “NISPOM rule,” it provides the contractor no more than 6 months from this effective date to comply with the requirements stipulated therein. The NISPOM rule replaces the NISPOM previously issued as a DoD policy (DoD 5220.22-M), which will be cancelled shortly after the allotted 6 month implementation period ends. Until then, DoD 5220.22-M will remain in effect.

The rule implements policy, assigns responsibilities, establishes requirements, and provides procedures consistent with Executive Order 12829, “National Industrial Security Program;” Executive Order 10865, “Safeguarding Classified Information within Industry;” and 32 Code of Regulation Part 2004, “National Industrial Security Program.” That guidance outlines the protection of classified information that is disclosed to, or developed by contractors of the U.S. Government.