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Most
Requested Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs)
Security
Equipment and Storage
Q. Are there
standards for equipment
that is to be used
when handling classified
information? A. Yes, there
are standards for
all equipment that
is used to store,
transmit, process,
transport, and destroy
classified information.
The NSA sets standards
for machines used
to destroy classified
information. Contact
the Information Security
Staff (ISS) for information
on shredders, fax
machines, reproduction
devices, and courier
bags (see Contact
Us). Contact Fred
Goings, OCIO, (202)
720-8761 regarding
secure telephones.
Q. How often
are security container
combinations supposed
to be changed? A. Security
container combinations
are to be changed
when one of the following
occurs: (1) Someone
who has access to
the container no longer
requires access or
leaves their position,
(2) You suspect someone
has attempted to gain
entry to the container,
or (3) Or every 3
years.
Q. How do I
request a Combination
Change? A. Call the
ISS to make arrangements
for your combination
to be changed. If
your security container
appears to be broken,
call the Federal Security
Systems at (703) 339-2912.
Classification
Q. Can I classify
a document? A. The Secretary
of Agriculture is
the only person within
USDA who has been
granted the authority
to originally classify
a document (up to
the Secret level).
If you need to classify
a document, contact
ISS for further guidance.
Q. Who do
I contact if I need
a classification review
of a document? A. Classification
reviews are performed
by ISS (see Contact
Us).