Secure by Design: Embedding RF/IR Security at the Architectural Core

Secure by Design: Introducing the New Signals Defense Video Series with Secure Facility Experts

Security threats continue to evolve in modern-day facilities, requiring more than physical barriers to keep data safe and secure. In fact, security solutions are most effective when they’re built into the design process — and not an afterthought added after construction.

That’s the basis of our new video series, which brings together various secure facility experts to discuss best practices, emerging challenges and practical solutions. This “Secure by Design” series is now live on Signal Defense’s YouTube channel, with many more conversations planned for the weeks to come. 

Read on to learn more about the Secure by Design series or visit our YouTube page to view episodes now.

‘Secure by Design’ Explained

When we say “Secure by Design,” we are referring to how security solutions should be planned during the architectural planning stages. For instance, RF shielding and IR protection should be incorporated into a building from the earliest design stages, well before a shovel hits the ground. This helps facilities act proactively against external threats before buildings become operational, rather than reacting later.

Some RF and IR solutions facilities should consider implementing include:

• RF doors and STC doors: These specialty architectural components can help isolate sensitive spaces from invisible threats. RF doors are designed to safeguard areas from electromagnetic interference and electronic eavesdropping, while STC doors help mitigate sound.
• SCIF rooms: Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) are highly secure rooms or areas that block out sound or signals.
• RF window film: While RF/IR window films can be added after the design stage, they’re best planned for during design or when considering facility upgrades.

Shielding foils, paints, tapes and caulk are other solutions to consider.

As our experts explain in the video series, the benefits of planning for security early in the design process are plentiful. There’s a reduced risk of electronic eavesdropping in the final building envelope, better operational continuity and cost savings compared to retrofitting.

What You Can Learn from Watching the Secure by Design Video Series

The Secure by Design video series isn’t a sales pitch; it’s intended to serve as a series of educational conversations that provide real-world examples of how today’s facilities have overcome security challenges. Every episode is designed to help viewers better understand how a successful facility is planned and delivered.

Topics explored include:

• SCIF development
• Emerging threats to modern-day facilities
• RF shielding strategies and best practices
• Compliance and accreditation
• What security consultants look for during assessments
• The difference between high-security construction and commercial building

Meet Hector Villanueva

The host of the Secure by Design series is Hector Villanueva. A United States Air Force veteran turned Business Development Manager at Signals Defense, Hector has extensive experience in ICD-705-compliant SCIFs, designing for the secure environment and implementing RF technologies.

Yet, Hector does more than just interview guests — he facilitates conversations to help viewers gain insight into today’s security concerns and how proper planning with the right solutions can help mitigate them. These conversations cover industry challenges, emerging technologies and lessons learned from experienced professionals to help others with their future secure facility planning.

About Our First Guests

Our first guests on the Secure by Design series have decades of combined experience across every stage of facility development and can speak authoritatively on the solutions that matter today. Our guests include:

Alex Leutwyler, CEO of Emblem Builders

Alex represents the general contracting side of development and specializes in ICD 705-compliant secure facilities. He has extensive experience in building SCIFs, Special Access Program Facilities (SAPFs), and working in mission-critical environments, and his work has supported the Department of Defense, federal agencies and clients in the intelligence community. 

Daniel Garcia and Phillip Chance, Managing Partners with Precision Security Consulting

Daniel and Phillip have experience consulting on more than 150 secure projects and authoritatively discuss SCIF design, SAPF accreditation and ICD 705 guidance. The two have also worked extensively with the Department of Defense and clients in the intelligence community.

Mike Gaetke, Lockmasters Instructor

Mike has more than 40 years of experience in the secure facility field and has overseen hundreds of SCIF and SAPF projects throughout his career. The former CEO of Adamo Security Group, he now serves as the ICD 705 instructor with Lockmasters.

Why These Conversations Matter

Any good project requires collaboration among the key stakeholders responsible for delivering it. This list includes architects, engineers and contractors. But don’t forget the security consultant. When all of these stakeholders work together from the very beginning, the end result is typically more than just a successful project outcome; it’s one that also minimizes risk, supports compliance objectives and strengthens a facility’s operational readiness.

That’s the true value of the Secure by Design video series. It’s an educational resource for professionals designed to help plan a secure environment.

Contact Signals Defense

A Lockmasters company, Signals Defense is an industry leader in providing innovative RF/IR shielding solutions for a variety of industries. Combined with its parent company’s reputation in secure facility education and expertise, the Signals Defense-Lockmaster partnership delivers high-quality secure facility solutions, proven products, technical expertise and focused support throughout every stage of facility development.

Visit the Signals Defense YouTube page now to view the Secure by Design series and stay tuned for future videos over the coming weeks and months. For more information on planning, designing, building and securing mission critical environments, contact Signals Defense today.

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