What is required for a mission-essential PED to enter SAP areas?

• A. PSO and AO approval
• B. Vendor certification
• C. Testing for functionality
• D. Training of personnel

Answer: (A)

For a mission-essential Portable Electronic Device (PED) to enter Special Access Program (SAP) areas, obtaining approval from the Program Security Officer (PSO) and the Authorizing Official (AO) is crucial. This requirement ensures that the device complies with the necessary security standards and protocols specific to the sensitive nature of SAP areas. The PSO and AO are responsible for authorizing the use of certain equipment in secure environments, thereby maintaining the integrity of the SAP and protecting classified information from potential vulnerabilities that might arise from unauthorized devices.

In other contexts, certification from vendors, functionality testing, or personnel training might play significant roles; however, they do not substitute the fundamental requirement for specific security approvals necessary for device entry into SAP areas. Without the clearances and authorizations from the designated security officials, the risks associated with unapproved devices could compromise the security structure in place.