T4 Protective Security

'Protective security' is a combination of procedural, physical, personnel, and information security measures designed to provide government information, functions, resources, employees and clients with protection against security threats.

ASIO provides integrated protective security advice to Australian Government departments, agencies and business enterprises. With the written approval of the Attorney-General, ASIO can provide such services to others, provided that a Commonwealth interest can be shown.

ASIO's Protective Security Section (T4) offers the following specific services to government. In line with government policy, ASIO-T4 provides these services on a cost recovery basis.

Protective Security Risk Reviews - These involve comprehensive integrated reviews of security threats and the development of recommended protective security measures, using risk-based methodology. ASIO-T4 is uniquely placed to include threat-based risk information (National Security Threat Assessments) in the risk review process, so as to assess all known potential sources of security risks. Recommendations will typically propose a mix of physical, electronic, administrative, and procedural security measures to manage the risk.

Protective Security Advice - ASIO-T4 provides an ongoing specific advisory service for Government clients, on how best to protect their people, information and physical assets This advice is tailored to address individual and specific requirements.

Advice may include perimeter security, access control measures, CCTV and alarm systems, locks and other door hardware, advice on the construction of new buildings, security zones construction, guarding arrangements, security audits and administrative and personnel security.

Equipment Testing - ASIO-T4, on behalf of the Security Construction and Equipment Committee (SCEC), evaluates protective security products to determine their suitability for use in Australian Government facilities. Products are evaluated to ensure that the equipment meets the claims made by the manufacturers, and that the specific applications and any limitations of the product are clearly identified. For further information about how to get security products evaluated please refer to the SCEC website.

Security Equipment Catalogue - Please refer to the SCEC website for further information.

Certification of Top Secret (Zone 5) Facilities - ASIO-T4 is the certification authority, nominated in the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF), for the physical security certification of all facilities/zones holding and/or discussing Top Secret security classified information, or facilities/zones with an aggregation of information where the compromise, loss of integrity or unavailability of the information would have a catastrophic business impact level (BIL). Re-certification is required at least every five years. Early consultation with ASIO-T4 is recommended to ensure new facilities have the appropriate level of security built in from the design stage.

Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM) - ASIO-T4 offers technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM) assistance to Australian Government departments and agencies to provide a level of assurance that highly classified or sensitive discussions and information are not subject to compromise through technical means – for example, through covert listening devices.

TSCM inspections are an important element of an appropriate protective security environment and must be supported by physical and procedural measures to ensure the integrity of an inspected area is maintained.

Protective Security Courses scheduled for 2013:

ASIO-T4 Security Practitioners Course (A guide to practical application of Protective Security within Government 2013) - A four day course designed for Australian Government Agency Security Advisers and Agency Security personnel. The course covers the key elements of protective security and its practical application within government organisations.

Topics include:

Physical Security and certification requirements for Security Zones
Perimeter Security (fences, detection systems, vehicle bollards)
Type 1 Security alarm systems
Security Containers
Security hardware and lock devices
Administrative Security

In 2013, T4 Protective Security will conduct this course on the following dates:

19-22 March 2013
18-21 June 2013
10-13 September 2013

(all courses are subject to minimum number of suitable applicants).

To apply for this course, please complete the application form. Applications for these courses close one month prior to the course commencement date.

Successful applicants will be advised three weeks prior to course commencement date.

SCEC Security Zone Consultant Scheme - Please refer to the SCEC website for further information.

SCEC Approved Locksmiths - Please refer to the SCEC website for further information.

ASIO-T4 Security Practitioners Course applications must be returned to T4 Protective Security by either:

Mailing to:
GPO Box 2176
CANBERRA, ACT, 2601
Attention: Admin

Email: t4ps@t4.gov.au
Fax: (02) 6234 1218

For any queries regarding these courses, please phone (02) 6234 1217.

To view the answer click on the question:

Why is T4 called T4?: At one time ASIO had a specific unit which dealt with a range of technical issues, known as 'T' Branch. T4 was the fourth area within this technical unit which focussed on protective security. Although the branch no longer exists as such, the term T4 became so widely recognised it has been retained by ASIO.

Who can use T4 services?: Clients are typically Commonwealth agencies, statutory authorities or government business enterprises. However, when authorised by the Attorney-General and where there is an identifiable Commonwealth interest, ASIO may provide advice to state and local government authorities and private sector companies or individuals.

Does ASIO charge for T4 services?: Yes, ASIO is required by the government to recover its costs for providing protective security services. Every job is different and the costs vary accordingly.

How do I find out more about ASIO's T4 services?: More specific information about ASIO's protective security work can be found in Part Two of the ASIO Annual Report. For more information about ASIO's T4 services, please phone (02) 6234 1217 or fax (02) 6234 1218.

How do I find an endorsed consultant?: A register of endorsed consultants can be found on the SCEC website.

ASIO

ASIO and National Security

T4 Protective Security

'Protective security' is a combination of procedural, physical, personnel, and information security measures designed to provide government information, functions, resources, employees and clients with protection against security threats.