A policy is NOT in place and/or NOT enforced regarding the use of unclassified telephone/RTS instruments located in areas or rooms where classified meetings, conversations, or work normally occur.

Requirement: The IAO will ensure that a policy is in place and enforced regarding the use of telephone instruments connected to unclassified telecommunications systems located in areas or rooms where classified meetings, conversations, or work normally occur.

All unclassified voice/video/RTS terminals or instruments present a potential risk to the security of areas where classified conversations are conducted. This is due to the ability of some phones to pick up room audio and transmitting it or sending it down the wire even when the phone is on hook. This ability is usually caused by poor design or malfunction in the hook switch circuitry. Additionally speakerphones in such areas may be activated by accident or surreptitiously. These vulnerabilities can affect the security or confidentiality of any conversation at any classification level. Of particular concern are those areas or rooms used for classified meetings, conversations, or work.