security clearance

Technological advances in mobile phones, cameras, listening devices and storage has made life easier for foreign intelligence operatives engaging in espionage. However, social media sites are an even more effective method of luring unsuspecting prey, e.g., a security clearance holder. China and other foreign governments are using professional networking and social

Two years ago, all national security background investigations that required an applicant or source interview were done in-person by a background investigator. Only in extreme circumstances (e.g., deployed, geographically challenging to be cost effective, or hospitalization) were telephonic or video interviews allowed. Fast forward to March 2020, now most interviews

In Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD) 4 under Guideline I; Psychological Conditions it states certain emotional, mental, and personality conditions can impair judgment, reliability, or trustworthiness.  A recent Defense Office of Hearing and Appeals (DOHA) case involved a DoD contractor who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), previously known as Asperger’s

Adjudicative guidelines provide adjudicators the option to grant applicants a security clearance under conditions when the issues present have been partially mitigated and the applicant has shown intent to follow through on resolving any remaining concerns. This is considered an exception as defined in Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD) 4: National Security