We have a very good personnel vetting scheme. If you require the highest levels of security clearance, it probes deeply into all aspects of your life and past history. It is intrusive. Recent policy initiatives for Top Secret clearances are bringing in some changes. There will now be a requirement for people to be re-vetted at intervals of not more than five years.
Psychological testing is to be introduced to more agencies as part of the selection process.
All these tools give agencies better assurance that suitable people will be selected to work in classified areas. But that is all. It does not provide absolute assurance and Agency Security Advisers need to maintain a personnel security system which gives early evidence of potential problem indicators. Construction methods have changed and the introduction of new technologies and materials have widen our choices and increased the level of protection that can be provided. The work of ASIO and the Security Construction and Equipment Committee has better defined the standards and selection criteria for both methods of construction and security products.