What is a SCIF Room and Who Uses Them?

Restricted records, files, and computerized data are often stored in a sensitive compartmented information facility, or SCIF, meaning military, national security, government, or corporate information is secured and protected from unauthorized access. A SCIF contains sensitive compartmented information (SCI) that is classified (or highly sensitive in the case of company records) to safeguard against data breaches, espionage, or leaks.

Here, we’ll discuss what a SCIF is and how they can be used for different situations.

What Is a SCIF Room?

SCIFs are typically installed in government or military facilities, aboard ships and aircraft, in corporate buildings, or sometimes in private residences. Entire buildings can sometimes be converted to SCIFs with small non-secure areas.

A SCIF can be a permanent room in a building or structure, or a mobile unit called a container, which is similar in appearance to a shipping container. When designing and constructing a SCIF of any type, security is the top priority. Intelligence Community Directive 705 (ICD705) defines standards for SCIF rooms and containers that apply to the structure, ductwork, electronics and electrical system, fenestration (i.e. windowless design), acoustics and soundproofing, and methods of intrusion detection.

SCIFs provide dedicated space for secure storage and access that’s restricted to authorized users. They often house computers and other data center equipment for government or military intelligence, physical documentation and files, or work or meeting space for users. May also go through a process called hardening to provide heightened cybersecurity protection against data breaches or leaks, equipment malfunction, or electronic security device failures due to software or hardware issues.

The US Defense Intelligence Agency within the Department of Defense accredits SCIF rooms and containers that are used for government and military SIC. It’s also important to check SCIFs for ongoing compliance with requirements as computer equipment or software is updated, replaced, and any time the structure itself is altered for electrical or HVAC maintenance or other upgrades.

Industries and Applications for SCIF Rooms

SCIFs are found in many settings where access to sensitive information is highly restricted. Entering the SCIF typically requires an adequate security clearance; however, outside personnel may be granted permission to enter after surrendering electronic devices, are not permitted to view sensitive information, and must be accompanied by an authorized user at all times. Examples may include IT, maintenance, or repair personnel.

SCIF security is commonly used in these settings:

• Military. Classified information pertaining to military operations, intelligence, plans, meetings, and discussions are often housed in a SCIF.
• Government. SCIFs can be used to store classified government information, records, and other intelligence that is critical to national security. Depending on the specific needs and location, the facility may include work or meeting space, computers, document storage, or other compliant features.
• Commercial. SCIF rooms for commercial applications protect sensitive information regarding employees, proprietary information, intellectual property, client data, and other sensitive information. While not necessarily built or held to the same standards as a DoD-accredited SCIF, corporate versions still provide secure and restricted storage and access.

SCIF Rooms From Captor Corporation

Captor Corporation is a leading manufacturer of high-quality EMI filter and signal protection and EMC solutions for SCIF rooms and containers. Our products include signal line filters, HEMP filters, high-current capacitors, and custom EMI filters. Design, layout, assembly, testing, and prototyping services are also available. We also work with a group of vetted suppliers to provide customers with complete SCIF solutions.

Contact us to learn more about our capabilities or request a quote to speak with a specialist about your SCIF project.