CISA initiates chemical security enhancing program

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) officials are espousing the benefits of ChemLock, a newly initiated voluntary chemical security program.

The endeavor is a voluntary program providing no-cost services and tools to chemical facilities to increase awareness of the risks while aiding with chemical security posture.

“ChemLock is an innovative program designed to expand the reach of CISA’s collaborative model to a new set of chemical facility partners,” David Mussington, executive assistant Director for Infrastructure Security, said. “The creativity of the approach promises great benefits for security, safety and stakeholder awareness.”

CISA is globally recognized as a leader within the chemical security realm. For over 10 years, the agency and its predecessor have assisted sites in building tailored security plans to prevent terrorist exploitation of their chemicals under the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) regulatory program.

CISA said all who interact with chemicals have a role in understanding the risk and methods involved in taking action to prevent chemicals from being weaponized by terrorists.

The agency acknowledged many of the chemicals businesses interact with daily are dangerous and could be used in a terrorist attack.

ChemLock resources include on-site chemical security assessments and assistance; fact sheets, best practices, and guidance documents; and chemical security exercises and drills.