SSBI stands for Single Scope Background Investigation, which is conducted to determine whether a security clearance will be approved for someone. This investigation is thorough and complex. Field interviews are standard practice involving family, friends, employers, and co-workers. It also may include former teachers from institutions the person went to, neighbors, and anyone who knows the person.
They also examine your histories, such as public records, previous employment, court cases, financial background checks, and criminal history. SSBI is necessary for determining the viability of approving a security clearance. SSBI is mandatory for supporting top-secret SCI and Q access. On the other hand, SCI stands for Sensitive Compartmented Information, which is not an investigation but classified information itself.
This data is based on or procured from crucial and sensitive intelligence or processes. It is often referred to as data or information from critical and sensitive intelligence or operations. It can also be described as information that goes a step beyond top secret. SCI is further divided into other compartments. Special intelligence, for example, is one of them. All the information designated as an SCI is under the jurisdiction of the Director of National Intelligence, which includes the access control systems.