Entries by Andrew Ciccone

Smarter Hiring in Security: Why AI and People Must Work Together

Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services In the security industry, hiring the right talent is mission-critical. AI offers speed, scale, and data-driven insights that help streamline recruiting — especially for technical and high-volume roles. But security isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about trust, integrity, and cultural fit — qualities that algorithms alone can’t fully capture. […]

In the AI era, data is power — and a prime target.

Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection ServicesBy Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services To protect data, security and development teams must break silos and work together from day one. Secure-by-design is no longer optional — it’s essential. #CyberSecurity #AI #DevSecOps #DataProtection #SecureByDesign #InfoSec #AIethics #SecurityFirst #AppSec #HigherEdTech #DigitalTransformation   Source: Reiter,R.Security and Development Teams Should Work […]

Universities are increasingly in the crosshairs of hacktivist groups.

By Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services Driven by political or social agendas, these cyberattacks go beyond defacing websites — they now threaten research data, infrastructure, and campus operations. No longer limited to protests or digital graffiti, hacktivists are increasingly targeting critical infrastructure — putting public safety and national security at risk. Awareness and resilience […]

The Key to Efficient Hospitality Operations

Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services In hospitality, seamless guest experiences rely on efficient behind-the-scenes operations. While mobile check-in and digital keys are guest-facing innovations, staff still depend on physical keys to access critical areas across large properties. That’s where intelligent key cabinets come in. These smart systems automate key distribution, track usage in real […]

The Future of Protection: Blending Human Guards with Autonomous Technology for Smarter Security

By Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services Smarter Security As threats to businesses and critical infrastructure become more complex, so too must the strategies used to counter them. The most effective modern security systems are no longer reliant on just one layer of protection—they are hybrid solutions that combine the strengths of both human guards […]

Securing the Corporate Campus: Should You Hire In-House Security or Outsource?

By Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services As corporate campuses grow in size and complexity, so do the demands on their security infrastructure. A key strategic decision many facility and security leaders face is whether to hire dedicated, in-house security staff or outsource protection services to a third-party provider. Each option brings distinct advantages—and challenges. […]

The Frontline of Retail Safety: The Vital Role of Asset Protection Professionals in Mall Security

By Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services In bustling retail environments like shopping malls, asset protection professionals are more than just a security presence—they are the guardians of people, property, and profitability. Tasked with preventing theft, deterring criminal activity, and ensuring a safe environment for shoppers and staff, these professionals combine vigilance with customer service. […]

From Vigilance to Action: Identifying Suspicious Behavior and Guarding Against Active Assailants

By Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services In an age where threats can emerge suddenly and without warning, the ability to spot suspicious behavior and respond to active assailant situations is a critical skill for security professionals and frontline staff alike. Early detection is often the key to prevention. Suspicious behavior doesn’t always look overtly […]

Staying Resilient: How Businesses Can Maintain Operations During Social Unrest

By Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services Social Unrest In an era of increasing civil demonstrations and social unrest, businesses face a growing challenge: how to maintain continuity, protect people and assets, and operate safely in the face of unpredictable disruptions. Business continuity during unrest isn’t just about crisis management—it’s about resilience. To remain operational, […]

Shields Up: Strategic Security Tactics to Protect Businesses During Civil Unrest

By Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services Strategic Security In times of civil unrest or riots, businesses face a unique set of threats that go beyond typical day-to-day security concerns. Property damage, looting, and threats to personnel safety can escalate quickly—and without the right security strategy in place, the consequences can be devastating. Preparedness is […]