Security vetting involves collecting information that is relevant in evaluating whether a person should be given security clearance. A security clearance is a decision that a person is allowed access to classified information.
The requirement for security clearance as a means of protecting classified information is laid down in the Security Act. Chapter 3 of the security vetting regulations provides further details on the way in which security vetting should be carried out. (Security clearance in the legal sense refers to personnel who have access to classified information, having been vetted and deemed fit for acquiring this responsibility.)
The National Security Authority (NSM) is responsible for the protective security service
NSM is responsible for professional and vetting issues within the protective security service. The Authority therefore carries out security vetting in all clearance procedures in Norway in both the civil service and the Armed Forces. PST assists the Authority in security vetting by collecting personal data for the purpose of the clearance procedure.
The need for security cleared personnel
People who in the course of their work will access or are required to handle classified information must get security clearance before they can gain access to the classified information. Clearance is given at different levels, depending on the classification of the information to which the person needs access. The classifications in Norway are Restricted, Confidential, Secret and Top Secret.
PST does not decide which positions and tasks in the Norwegian public service and private sector require security clearance. Applications and questions about security clearance must be sent to the National Security Authority, and not PST. We are, however, under a duty to lay down requirements for security clearance before we give classified information to people who are not working at PST. In addition, we ensure that all PST employees have security clearance.
Security clearance does not last a lifetime.