Knowledge
What is the Facility Security Clearance
An introduction to the industrial security regulatory framework, the environments in which it applies and the requirements needed to obtain and maintain a Facility Security Clearance (FSC — in Spanish, HSES).
01 · Definition
Definition
The Facility Security Clearance (FSC — in Spanish, HSES) is the indispensable requirement demanded of a contractor (company) in order to handle and hold Classified Information (CI) on its premises within contracts, programmes, projects or activities classified at CONFIDENTIAL level, its equivalent or above.
The clearance is granted by the Delegated Authority for the Security of Classified Information (ANS-D), whose working body is the National Security Office (ONS), after verifying that the company, its premises, its systems and its personnel comply with the required measures.
02 · Who it applies to
Who needs the FSC?
Any organisation that must access, process or hold Classified Information (CI) on its premises within contracts, programmes or activities subject to national, NATO, EU or ESA regulation.
This includes manufacturers, integrators, engineering firms, technology operators, industrial companies and subcontractors taking part in defence supply chains and classified environments.
03 · Levels
Clearance levels
Clearance levels correspond to the classification level of the information that the company will be able to handle and hold on its premises. The Spanish levels are shown below with their NATO equivalents.
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Level 1
Difusión Limitada (DL)
NATO equivalent: Restricted. The basic classification level. Information whose unauthorised disclosure could be unfavourable to national interests.
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Level 2
Confidencial (C)
NATO equivalent: Confidential. Information whose unauthorised disclosure could harm national interests.
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Level 3
Reservado (R)
NATO equivalent: Secret. Information whose unauthorised disclosure could cause damage to national interests.
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Level 4
Secreto (S)
NATO equivalent: Top Secret. The highest classification level. Information whose unauthorised disclosure could cause exceptionally grave damage to national interests.
04 · Process
How it is obtained
The process of obtaining a Facility Security Clearance (FSC) usually begins on the organisation's own initiative or at the request of a contracting body, when participation in classified contracts, programmes or activities becomes necessary.
From that point, the organisation coordinates with the National Security Office (ONS) the processing of the required documentation, the adaptation of the ZAR/ZAP, the implementation of the applicable security measures, the development of the Protection Plan and, where appropriate, the accreditation of classified CIS systems.
05 · Validity
Validity and maintenance
The Facility Security Clearance (FSC) remains valid for as long as the security conditions under which it was granted are maintained. Any material change to the organisation, its corporate structure, its premises, its systems or the cleared scope must be notified to the competent Security Authority.
Assessment
Does your case fit here?
We study your specific situation and tell you which requirements apply and where to begin.