What is TEMPEST? Understanding Secure Communications and TEMPEST Requirements
- Cooper Building Services
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
In an era where national security and sensitive information are at constant risk of electronic surveillance and interception, TEMPEST plays a critical role in securing classified communications. Whether working within a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) or a Special Access Program Facility (SAPF), compliance with TEMPEST requirements ensures that classified data remains protected from external threats. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of TEMPEST, including its meaning, requirements for shielding, best practices, and the role of Certified TEMPEST Technical Authorities (CTTAs) in SCIF and SAPF construction.
What Does TEMPEST Stand For?
TEMPEST is not an acronym but rather a codename used by the U.S. government to refer to the study and mitigation of unintentional intelligence-bearing signals, also known as compromising emanations. These signals can be intercepted through electromagnetic radiation, acoustic emissions, or other vulnerabilities in electronic equipment. The goal of TEMPEST security measures is to prevent adversaries from capturing and deciphering classified or sensitive information.
The concept of TEMPEST originated during World War II, when military and intelligence agencies realized that electronic devices emitted signals that could be intercepted and analyzed. Today, TEMPEST standards are maintained by agencies such as the National Security Agency (NSA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ensuring the protection of government and military communications against unauthorized access.
What is Required for TEMPEST Shielding?
To meet TEMPEST compliance, facilities handling classified information must implement rigorous shielding measures to prevent compromising emanations. Some of the key TEMPEST shielding requirements include:
1. Electromagnetic Shielding
TEMPEST shielding typically involves the use of specialized construction materials, such as:
Conductive enclosures (Faraday cages) to block electromagnetic radiation
Shielded cabling and conduit systems to prevent signal leakage
Steel wall panels or RF foil in walls, ceilings, and floor
2. Filtering and Grounding
Proper grounding and filtering of electrical systems prevent electromagnetic interference and signal leakage. Best practices include:
High-quality grounding techniques to reduce radiofrequency (RF) emissions
Power line and signal filtering to block unintended transmissions
Use of fiber optic cables where possible to minimize electrical signal propagation
3. Secure Equipment Placement
Strategic placement of electronic devices and workstations helps mitigate vulnerabilities. Considerations include:
Keeping classified processing equipment away from exterior walls
Positioning equipment within a designated TEMPEST zone
Using secure racks and enclosures to isolate emissions
4. Personnel Training and Compliance
Ensuring that personnel understand TEMPEST principles is critical for maintaining security. Organizations must:
Train employees on TEMPEST risks and countermeasures
Regularly conduct compliance audits and inspections
Work closely with a Certified TEMPEST Technical Authority (CTTA) for evaluation and approval
Best Practices for TEMPEST Compliance
Meeting TEMPEST requirements demands a multi-layered approach that integrates construction, equipment, and procedural controls. Here are some best practices for ensuring compliance:
1. Conduct a TEMPEST Risk Assessment
Before designing or upgrading a SCIF or SAPF, organizations should conduct a risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities. This involves working with a CTTA to analyze electromagnetic leakage, equipment placement, and shielding effectiveness.
2. Utilize Certified TEMPEST-Approved Equipment
Using NSA-approved TEMPEST equipment helps ensure compliance with government standards. These devices are specifically designed to minimize emissions and include computers, printers, and communications systems built to TEMPEST specifications.
3. Perform Regular TEMPEST Testing and Inspections
Ongoing testing and monitoring are necessary to maintain compliance. This includes:
Periodic TEMPEST evaluations conducted by a CTTA
Routine maintenance of shielding materials and enclosures
Immediate mitigation of any identified vulnerabilities
The Role of a Certified TEMPEST Technical Authority (CTTA)
A Certified TEMPEST Technical Authority (CTTA) is a government-designated expert responsible for evaluating and approving TEMPEST countermeasures in classified environments. Their role includes:
Assessing SCIF and SAPF construction plans to ensure TEMPEST compliance
Conducting vulnerability assessments and recommending appropriate shielding techniques
Providing guidance on approved TEMPEST equipment and best practices
For organizations handling classified information, coordination with a CTTA is not just recommended—it is a requirement for achieving proper accreditation. Only the CTTA can confirm what specific countermeasures are required for your space and that all security measures align with government standards and that facilities remain safeguarded against electromagnetic eavesdropping.
Contact Cooper Building Services for TEMPEST Expertise
Ensuring that your SCIF or SAPF meets TEMPEST requirements is a complex process that demands expert knowledge and precision. At Cooper Building Services, LLC, we specialize in secure facility construction, including TEMPEST-compliant shielding solutions. Our team works closely with Certified TEMPEST Technical Authorities (CTTAs) and AOs to ensure your facility meets all government security standards.
If your organization requires TEMPEST compliance for classified operations, contact Cooper Building Services, LLC today. Our expertise in SCIF and SAPF construction ensures that your secure facilities are built to the highest standards, safeguarding critical information from potential threats.
Reach out to our team now to discuss your project and TEMPEST requirements.
