this post was submitted on 18 Sep 2024
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People that work in classified environments. You can't have smart devices (phones, watches, anything that communicates with the outside) while in these controlled spaces. pagers are acceptable because they're 1 way communication, so there's no risk of data leaks from the classified space
Pagers are not guaranteed to be 1 way comms and bringing them into secure locations is a security violation. Additionally, depending on the classification, no unauthorized and undisclosed devices of any kind would be permitted, including any electronics or electronic media such as tapes, CDs, discs, etc. Even when I was issued a verified 1-way pager, I was specifically briefed I was not permitted to bring it into a classified location. Most of the highly classified SCIFS are shielded anyways, you can't use it inside so it's safer to leave it out, along with all other devices.
If your organization allows it, then (if federal) they are breaking the law and should be reported/up-channeled. If it's corpo, you should bring up additional concerns with your security team.
Edit: Also, it goes without saying, current events are probably a good reason why pagers (and other devices) aren't allowed in classified areas. While most focus on disclosure (getting out), we must not forget the risk of data/operations getting destroyed.
Idk man, I have a federally compliant 1 way pager. So it's not illegal. We score the highest marks on our DoD security audits every year. Theyre distrubuted from the security office, so I'm sure they do some sort of vetting on each individual one.
We're a govt contractor, but our civilian govt counterparts use them too