This Pro Tip breaks down the requirements for SCIF compliant, radio frequency (RF), and SCIF with RF protection hybrid doors.
Krieger SCIF and Radio Frequency Doors
| SCIF Compliant Doors | Radio Frequency Doors | SCIF and RF Hybrid Doors |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Group 3 – STC 45 | 25 dB RF Protection | 40 dB RF with STC 45 |
| Sound Group 4 – STC 50 | 40 dB RF Protection | 40 dB RF with STC 50 |
| 60 dB RF Protection | 40 dB RF with STC 51 |
SCIF
A sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) is a secure room where sensitive information can be viewed and/or discussed to maintain the highest level of security and prevent outside surveillance.
A SCIF has specific construction requirements as outlined in the Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 705 guidelines, which the U.S. government established to ensure physical and technical security standards for SCIF construction and maintenance.
Sound group ratings are divided into two groups: Sound Group 3 and Sound Group 4. All SCIF perimeters are designed and constructed to meet Sound Group 3 standards or better. SCIF Sound Group 3 has a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of 45 or higher. This means loud speech from within the SCIF can be faintly heard but not understood outside the SCIF, and normal speech is unintelligible to the unaided ear. Sound Group 4 has an STC 50 rating or higher, which means loud sounds within the SCIF can be heard only faintly or not at all outside the SCIF. (These are examples of sound transmission; please consult an acoustician about the requirements for your project.)
A SCIF has specific construction requirements as outlined in the Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 705 guidelines, which the U.S. government established to ensure physical and technical security standards for SCIF construction and maintenance.
Sound group ratings are divided into two groups: Sound Group 3 and Sound Group 4. All SCIF perimeters are designed and constructed to meet Sound Group 3 standards or better. SCIF Sound Group 3 has a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of 45 or higher. This means loud speech from within the SCIF can be faintly heard but not understood outside the SCIF, and normal speech is unintelligible to the unaided ear. Sound Group 4 has an STC 50 rating or higher, which means loud sounds within the SCIF can be heard only faintly or not at all outside the SCIF. (These are examples of sound transmission; please consult an acoustician about the requirements for your project.)
Radio Frequency
RF shielding is used to block radio frequency interference to ensure shielding effectiveness in the electric, planewave, and microwave fields. An RF shield involves the construction of an enclosure with conductive materials to achieve what’s known as a “Faraday shield.” A Faraday shield is a six-sided cub comprised of four walls, a ceiling, and a floor, and it is the basis of any RF-shielded enclosure.
RF enclosures are used where TEMPEST standards are required. TEMPEST is a designation by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) that refers to the vulnerability of computer and telecommunications devices to data theft.
RF enclosures are used where TEMPEST standards are required. TEMPEST is a designation by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) that refers to the vulnerability of computer and telecommunications devices to data theft.
SCIF with RF Shielding
Because all information systems equipment releases electromagnetic energy, there is a risk of sensitive information being emitted in such a way that it could be recovered by an unauthorized party. As a result, the U.S. Department of Defense and other government agencies have an increased concern about emission security (EMSEC).
The term EMSEC is often used interchangeably with TEMPEST to refer to the component of communications security that results from measures taken to prevent the unauthorized interception of sensitive information. Depending on the emission security risks and needs of the SCIF, additional RF shielding protection may be required.
Krieger can custom manufacture SCIF-compliant doors with STC ratings to meet your needs, including our 705 SCIF Door and Lock Package—now available with 40 dB RF protection. More Information
The term EMSEC is often used interchangeably with TEMPEST to refer to the component of communications security that results from measures taken to prevent the unauthorized interception of sensitive information. Depending on the emission security risks and needs of the SCIF, additional RF shielding protection may be required.
Krieger can custom manufacture SCIF-compliant doors with STC ratings to meet your needs, including our 705 SCIF Door and Lock Package—now available with 40 dB RF protection. More Information
