Entries by Andrew Ciccone

Understand What Security Processes Are Essential For The Business To Succeed

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  Aligning your metrics to key security processes within the organization is what’s really important.  The challenge is to measure the right things. Security managers need to speak to senior leaders in familiar business language, offering measurable results that correlate with investment. Without compelling metrics, security managers and their […]

Organizations Must Be Ready to Assess Potential Security Risks to Protect Everyone

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  Security leaders across environments — spanning retail stores, corporate businesses, residential communities and cities — should prepare for threats that will require fast and informed action. We all have experienced major cultural moments, including the 2020 election, COVID-19 pandemic, and nationwide protests.  It is critical for organizations to […]

Soft Skills Pay Off for Retailers Creating Safer Workplaces

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  De-escalating volatile situations starts with communication skills, which can help in understanding and then talking down a challenging customer. The overall goal in this stage is to calm the person down and bring him or her to a more reasonable interaction. For sales floor associates, framing a conversation […]

Deescalation & Conflict Resolution: Strategies for a Secure Workplace

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  Ensuring a secure and harmonious workplace involves effectively managing conflicts and potential violence. This is where the concepts of de-escalation and conflict intervention become essential tools for promoting safety and preventing workplace violence. Focus is on the identification and management of aggressive behaviors and empowering employees to respond […]

Mitigating fraud, theft and scam risks within financial institutions

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  Social engineering schemes have been such an easy way for fraudsters to get money. To guard against this fraud exposure, banks and financial institutions have to work just as hard as the fraudsters, and stay on top of any new threats that emerge.  One of the best ways […]

Diversity & Inclusion In the Workplace – Fostering Understanding and Fairness

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  Federal laws prohibit discrimination based on characteristics like race, sex, religion, and disability. Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace encourages innovation, improves morale, and helps attract top talent. Training on bias, cultural differences, and inclusivity helps employees understand and respect their coworkers’ diverse backgrounds.   To foster […]

Security Firm Agents Identify Threats That Artificial Intelligence (AI) Simply Cannot

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  Artificial intelligence (AI) has become deeply integrated into both our personal and professional lives. From dynamic pricing to healthcare diagnostics, businesses across sectors leverage AI to improve efficiency and outcomes. AI can efficiently sift through thousands of résumés, highlighting candidates with the right keywords for specific roles.  Human […]

Background Checks Can Spot Red Flags On Applications

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  For security integrators and consultants, background checks play an obviously vital role, as many employees are placed in a position of high trust for customers.    During the hiring process, a company may conduct a background check to ensure that a candidate does not have a criminal background that […]

Acquire the necessary skills to survive an active shooter incident.

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  The A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training Program is a comprehensive training program designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to survive an active shooter incident. Its emphasis on situational awareness and decision-making makes it a practical and effective approach to active shooter situations. By empowering […]

Conduct Threat & Vulnerability Assessments to Mitigate Violent Acts

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot Wednesday morning in what authorities described as a ‘deliberate and targeted attack’ outside a Manhattan hotel hosting the health insurer’s investor conference. The rise in violent incidents within the healthcare industry can often be traced back to personal frustrations with healthcare […]