If you’re an Australian business looking to work with the Department of Defence, you’ve likely come across the acronym “DISP.” It stands for the Defence Industry Security Program, and understanding it is critical for engaging with the Defence sector. But what exactly is it?
In simple terms, DISP is a security vetting program for Australian businesses. It’s designed to help companies understand and meet their security obligations when they are part of a Defence project, contract, or tender. Think of it as a security framework that ensures a business has the right measures in place to protect sensitive and classified Defence information and assets.
The program is administered by the Defence Industry Security Branch (DISB) and its primary goal is to safeguard Australia’s Defence capabilities by mitigating security risks within the industry supply chain.
Why is DISP Important?
Becoming a DISP member is more than just a procedural step; it’s a commitment to robust security. The framework helps you strengthen your security posture, making your business more resilient against modern threats.
Here are the key benefits of DISP membership:
- Eligibility for Defence Contracts: For many Defence contracts, DISP membership is a mandatory requirement.Even when it’s not, it’s highly recommended and provides a significant competitive advantage.
- Enhanced Security Posture: The process of achieving and maintaining DISP membership helps you identify and rectify security vulnerabilities, making your entire organisation more secure.
- Access to Security Resources: DISP members gain access to valuable security advice, training, and threat intelligence from Defence.
- Sponsor Security Clearances: DISP allows member companies to sponsor their own employees for Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) security clearances.
- Demonstrate Trust: Membership provides clear evidence of your company’s security maturity to both Defence and other industry partners.
The Four Security Domains of DISP
DISP is structured around four key security areas, referred to as domains:
- Governance: This covers your security policies, risk management framework, and how you manage security responsibilities within your organisation.
- Personnel Security: This ensures the suitability and integrity of your staff who have access to secure information. It includes aspects like security clearances, training, and ongoing personnel management.
- Physical Security: This domain relates to the physical protection of your facilities, documents, and assets. This includes measures like access controls and secure storage for sensitive materials.
- ICT and Cyber Security: This critical component covers the security of your IT systems, networks, and data. It involves implementing measures from the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) to protect against cyber threats and ensure the secure handling of all information.
DISP Membership Levels
There are four levels of DISP membership. Each level corresponds to the classification of information a business is accredited to handle.
- Entry Level: For handling OFFICIAL and OFFICIAL: SENSITIVE information.
- Level 1: For handling PROTECTED information.
- Level 2: For handling SECRET information.
- Level 3: For handling TOP SECRET information.
A business can hold different membership levels for each of the four security domains. For example, your business might require a higher level for Governance and Personnel Security but a lower level for Physical Security, depending on the nature of your work with Defence.
How to Get Started with DISP
The journey to DISP membership begins with assessing your current security maturity against the program’s requirements. While the Department of Defence does not charge a fee for DISP membership itself, businesses should expect to invest in implementing and maintaining the necessary security controls to meet their obligations.
Many businesses find it beneficial to work with a trusted security partner to guide them through the process, from initial assessment to implementation and ongoing compliance.
Summary
The Defence Industry Security Program is a foundational element of Australia’s Defence industrial base. It ensures that the thousands of businesses supporting Defence are resilient and secure. By embracing the principles of DISP, you not only open the door to new opportunities but also build a fundamentally more secure and trustworthy organisation.