Certified TEMPEST Technician Training Tutorial

Module 1: Introduction to TEMPEST
Objective: Understand the origins, purpose, and fundamentals of TEMPEST.
Topics:

1. Definition of TEMPEST and its significance in information security
2. Historical background and the evolution of TEMPEST standards
3. Overview of electromagnetic emanations and compromising emanations
4. Introduction to national and NATO TEMPEST programs
5. Regulatory bodies and compliance requirements
   Practical Exercise: Identify sources of unintentional electromagnetic emissions in a basic office environment.
   Assessment: Short quiz on TEMPEST history and terminology.

Module 2: Standards and Policy Framework
Objective: Gain knowledge of governing standards and policy documents related to TEMPEST compliance.
Topics:

1. S. TEMPEST standards (NSTISSAM TEMPEST 1-92, CNSSI No. 7000 series)
2. NATO standards (SDIP-27/1, /2, /3)
3. Equipment zoning and facility classifications
4. Certification and accreditation processes
5. Roles of the Certified TEMPEST Professional (CTP) and Certified TEMPEST Technician (CTT)
   Practical Exercise: Compare U.S. and NATO TEMPEST protection levels and explain when each applies.
   Assessment: Written exercise on identifying appropriate standards for given scenarios.

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Improve your job outlook or just increase your knowledge base by enrolling in this upcoming Certified TEMPEST Technician Training courses:

• Public Training with Exam: Dec 1-2, 2025

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Module 3: Electromagnetic Theory and Signal Emanations
Objective: Develop an understanding of how electromagnetic signals behave and how they can be intercepted or shielded.
Topics:

1. Fundamentals of electromagnetic fields and propagation
2. Types of signal leakage (conducted, radiated, acoustic)
3. Coupling mechanisms: capacitive, inductive, and radiative coupling
4. Impact of frequency, distance, and shielding materials
5. Signal analysis tools and spectrum interpretation
   Practical Exercise: Perform a basic spectrum analysis simulation using test data.
   Assessment: Problem set on electromagnetic theory and signal attenuation.

Module 4: TEMPEST Testing and Measurement Techniques
Objective: Learn the proper methods for measuring and evaluating electromagnetic emanations.
Topics:

1. Test equipment: receivers, antennas, LISNs, filters, and probes
2. Test environments: shielded enclosures and anechoic chambers
3. Test setup procedures and calibration requirements
4. Data collection, logging, and reporting methods
5. Safety precautions during TEMPEST testing
   Practical Exercise: Create a mock test plan including setup diagrams and expected measurements.
   Assessment: Practical evaluation of test setup and data interpretation.

Module 5: Shielding and Grounding Principles
Objective: Understand how to design, maintain, and evaluate shielding and grounding systems for TEMPEST compliance.
Topics:

1. Shielding materials and effectiveness
2. Grounding and bonding techniques
3. Cable management and filtering methods
4. Penetrations, apertures, and interface protection
5. Common shielding problems and maintenance procedures
   Practical Exercise: Analyze a schematic of a secure communications room and identify potential shielding failures.
   Assessment: Written quiz on grounding and shielding best practices.

Module 6: Equipment Installation and Maintenance
Objective: Learn installation and maintenance practices that ensure continued TEMPEST compliance.
Topics:

1. Installation standards for TEMPEST-approved equipment
2. Verification of system configurations
3. Preventive maintenance and inspection schedules
4. Documentation and recordkeeping requirements
5. Handling of repair and modification requests
   Practical Exercise: Develop a maintenance checklist for a TEMPEST-compliant workstation.
   Assessment: Checklist review and maintenance scenario evaluation.

Module 7: Facility Design and Site Surveys
Objective: Acquire skills in evaluating and preparing secure facilities for TEMPEST compliance.
Topics:

1. Site selection and environmental considerations
2. Facility layout for signal containment
3. Conducting and documenting TEMPEST site surveys
4. Power and signal line filtering systems
5. Mitigation strategies for noncompliant environments
   Practical Exercise: Prepare a sample site survey report with identified risks and recommendations.
   Assessment: Evaluation of survey report accuracy and completeness.

Module 8: Certification and Compliance Procedures
Objective: Learn the steps and documentation required to achieve and maintain TEMPEST certification.
Topics:

1. Certification levels and their application
2. Verification testing and re-certification processes
3. Reporting requirements and audit preparation
4. Roles of the TEMPEST certifying authority
5. Configuration control and documentation management
   Practical Exercise: Draft a mock compliance package including a summary report and equipment list.
   Assessment: Written test on compliance workflow and documentation standards.

Module 9: TEMPEST Risk Management and Countermeasures
Objective: Understand how to assess and mitigate TEMPEST risks.
Topics:

1. Risk assessment methodologies for emanations
2. Threat models and adversary capabilities
3. Countermeasure planning and prioritization
4. Cost-benefit considerations in TEMPEST protection
5. Integration of TEMPEST with other security domains
   Practical Exercise: Perform a risk assessment on a hypothetical secure communications system.
   Assessment: Risk report with recommended countermeasures.

Module 10: Review and Final Assessment
Objective: Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of TEMPEST principles and technician responsibilities.
Activities:

1. Review session covering all previous modules
2. Comprehensive written exam
3. Practical lab assessment (if applicable)
4. Final project: Develop a full TEMPEST test plan for a sample facility
   Certification Requirement: Minimum passing score of 80% on written and practical assessments.

Want to learn more? Tonex offers Certified TEMPEST Technician Training, a 2-day course where participants master the foundational concepts of TEMPEST and its importance in safeguarding electronic systems.

Attendees also acquire proficiency in TEMPEST testing techniques, including measurement methodologies and data analysis, develop expertise in the design and implementation of TEMPEST countermeasures for various electronic devices, learn the regulatory frameworks governing TEMPEST standards and compliance, gain hands-on experience in conducting TEMPEST assessments and effectively mitigating electromagnetic vulnerabilities and obtain the certification and skills necessary to excel as a Certified TEMPEST Engineer.

This training is tailored for professionals involved in the design, development, testing, and implementation of electronic systems, as well as individuals responsible for ensuring the security of sensitive information in government, defense, and critical infrastructure sectors. It is ideal for engineers, security professionals, and project managers seeking to enhance their expertise in TEMPEST.

All told, Tonex offers over 30 courses in its Radiation Resilience Institute. Sample courses include:

Certified Critical Infrastructure Protection Engineer Training

Certified Emission Security (EMSEC) Technician Training

Certified SCIF/SAPF Planner (CSSP) Certification Program

RF Shielded Enclosure Design Engineer (RFSEDE) Certification Program

Certified ICD-705 Project Manager (CICD-705-PM) Certification Program

For more information, questions, comments, contact us.