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Protective security and T4

'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 also has a central role in the Commonwealth's personnel security arrangements through the provision of security vetting advice.

ASIO's Protective Security Section (T4) offers the following specific services to government. In line with government policy, ASIO 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 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 classified information, premises, and other assets. This advice is tailored to address individual and specific requirements. Advice may address perimeter security, access control measures, CCTV and alarm systems, locks and other door hardware, advice on the construction of new buildings, secure area construction, guarding arrangements, security audits and administrative and personnel security.

• Security Plans - ASIO can assist agencies to develop Security Plans which are appropriate to the agency's functions and to the security risks it faces.

• Equipment Testing - ASIO tests protective security products to determine their suitability for use in Australian government facilities, ensure equipment meets the claims made by the manufacturers, and that specific applications and limitations are clearly identified. Further information about how to get security products evaluated can be found here (PDF File 59Kb).

• Security Equipment Catalogue - From the testing program, ASIO produces the Security Equipment Catalogue as a guide for government and others with a desire to use endorsed security products. The Catalogue is scheduled to be updated early 2009.

• Certification of Top Secret Facilities - ASIO is the certification authority, nominated in the Protective Security Manual, for the protective security of Top Secret facilities in Australia. Certification is required for all new facilities and those undergoing significant refurbishment. 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) - Assistance can be given to Australian Government departments and agencies to ensure that highly classified or sensitive discussions are not subject to compromise through technical means (listening devices). This activity is carried out by specialist personnel with discretion, using highly sophisticated equipment.

Protective Security Courses scheduled for 2008:

• Practical Application of Protective Security within Government (Agency Security Personnel Training 2008) - 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 including;
  • Physical Security of Intruder Resistant, Secure and TS Areas
  • Perimeter Security (fences, detection systems, bollards, lighting)
  • Locks and associated hardware
  • Security hardware
  • Administrative Security
  • IT Security requirements.
  The next course to be conducted by T4 Protective Security for Agency Security Advisers and Agency Security personnel are scheduled for:
  • 11-14 November 2008*
  • 17-20 March 2009**
  • 23-26 June 2009
  • 20-23 October 2009

  * This course is now full and has a waitlist.

  ** UPDATE: Applicants on the waitlist from the November 2008 course will be given priority for the March 2009 course. However, there are positions currently available for the March 2009 course.

  To apply for this course, an application form can be found here (PDF File 45.5Kb).
• SCEC Approved Security Consultants - Australian Government departments and agencies may utilise the services of a Security Construction and Equipment Committee (SCEC) Approved Security Consultant to establish appropriate physical security environments for the protection of official information and assets. A list of currently approved security consultants may be found here (PDF File 19.4Kb). UPDATE: The 2009 courses to be conducted by T4 Protective Security on behalf of SCEC for Security Consultants are scheduled for:
  • 17-20 February 2009*
  • 25-28 August 2009
  (Courses are subject to minimum number of suitable applicants)
  * The course scheduled for October 2008 has been re-scheduled for February 2009. Applicants for the October 2008 course should contact T4 Protective Security. Selection criteria detailing the required technical qualifications and experience and application forms may only be obtained by contacting T4 Protective Security, see contact details below. Applications for the next scheduled course will need to be submitted to T4 Protective Security.
• SCEC Approved Locksmiths – A register of locksmiths is maintained for use by departments and agencies by ASIO T4 Protective Security. Locksmiths who are on the register have been briefed by T4 on Australian Government locking requirements and approved by the Security Construction and Equipment Committee (SCEC). The Approved Locksmiths should be used to maintain SCEC Endorsed mechanical and digital combination locks. SCEC also recommends their use in fitting locks to doors and windows of a Secure Area. For the latest SCEC Approved Locksmith Register please contact T4 below. The next one day briefing for locksmiths performing work for the Australian Government will be conducted by T4 Protective Security on behalf of the SCEC, is scheduled for:
  • 24 November 2008.*
  • 2 February 2009
  • 6 July 2009
  • 9 November 2009
  * UPDATE: The November course is now full.
  A course description, requirements for suitable applicants and application form may be found here (PDF File 106Kb).

All course applications must be returned to T4 Protective Security by either:

T4 Protective Security
GPO Box 2176
CANBERRA, ACT, 2601

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

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

• Frequently asked questions about T4
• Equipment testing
• Endorsed consultants