Tips to Stop Email Address Harvesting

Tips to Stop Email Address Harvesting

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Without a doubt chatbots or large language models lower the barrier for entry to cybercrime, making it possible to create well-written phishing campaigns and generate malware that less capable coders could not produce alone. 

When sharing your email address online, consider obfuscating it. For example, use “user [at] domain [dot] com” instead of the actual email format. This makes it harder for automated bots to recognize and harvest.

Be cautious about clicking on links in emails or on websites, especially those promising prizes, discounts, or freebies. These could be traps designed to harvest email addresses.

 

SOURCE: 

Kowski, J. S., Email obfuscation tactics elude security protections, Bloomberg.com, 6/19/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

The Presence of Security is Still The Best Deterrent to Crime

The Presence of Security is Still The Best Deterrent to Crime

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

CVS, Target and other chains have barricaded everything from toiletries to cleaning supplies. It’s backfired in almost every way. Different products experience different theft rates, depending on store location and other factors. 

Beyond the financial impact of these crimes, the violence and concerns over safety continue to be the priority for all retailers. Professional security services is a strong deterrent, forcing criminals to think twice before they try to steal something. Security guards also handle vandalism and disturbances, ensuring customers’ shopping experience remains peaceful.

 

SOURCE:  Mull, A., Retailers Locked Up Their Products—and Broke Shopping in America, Bloomberg.com, 8/01/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

Employee-Safety-in-the-Face-of-Organized-Retail-Crime

Employee Safety in the Face of Organized Retail Crime

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

The rash of flash-mob-style robberies in Los Angeles prompted several task forces of local and federal agencies to target the thefts, as well as work with retailers to enhance security and deterrence measures.

To overcome the ongoing threat of organized retail crime, pairing safety technology and ongoing safety training can keep employees and customers safe.

 

SOURCE: 

Hernandez, S. Smash-and-grab robbers coordinated crimes on social media. Eight culprits now face prison, Los Angeles Times. 7/30/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Video-Surveillance-is-Critical-for-Safety-and-Security

Video Surveillance is Critical for Safety and Security

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

 

Video surveillance plays a major safety and security role at all types of facilities, and the technology has come a long way over the years. Cameras with powerful processors will be able to do more edge processing of video data than ever before. 

With technology changing so quickly, it’s more important than ever to educate the industry about how these exciting technologies can be used to protect assets.

 

SOURCE:  2024 Trends in Video Surveillance, Security Today. 2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

Holy places, shrines, cathedrals, synagogues, mosques, megachurches and schools are no longer safe. Nothing seems to be sacred.

Houses of worship are now targets of vandalism, theft and attacks.

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Holy places, shrines, cathedrals, synagogues, mosques, megachurches and schools are no longer safe. Nothing seems to be sacred.

Antisemitism has skyrocketed over the past few years. Bigotry continues toward followers of Islam. Conflicts between spiritual beliefs and mainstream culture have also created tension.

Many are assessing their security needs to ensure that the congregation has peace of mind. In doing so they can continue to learn, reflect, pray and celebrate in safety and comfort.

 

SOURCE: 

Omnert, D., In the Spirit of Security, Security Today. 07.31.2023. 

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Loss prevention specialists are leveraging technology to mitigate losses.

Loss prevention specialists are leveraging technology to mitigate losses.

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Organized retail crime (ORC) has become widespread. Artificial Intelligence, AI-based cameras with advanced analytics can extend the reach of loss prevention specialists by accurately alerting staff to certain behaviors such as loitering of people and vehicles. 

 

SOURCE: 

Foley, S., Addressing Unique Challenges, Security Today. 07.21.2023. 

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Retailers have become increasingly vulnerable to riots and looting.

Retailers have become increasingly vulnerable to riots and looting.

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Businesses must strike a balance between providing a seamless shopping experience and implementing robust security measures.

Modern surveillance systems incorporate high-resolution cameras that provide clear, detailed footage of your store. AI-powered surveillance can identify suspicious activity, track customer movements, and even analyze customer behavior to optimize store layouts and product placements. 

Staying updated with these technologies is not just a matter of protecting your assets; it’s about providing a secure, enjoyable shopping experience for your customers.

 

SOURCE: 

Wolfe, C., Storefront Security and Emergency Response 2024, 07.09.2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Situational Crime Prevention (SPC) is a Primary Prevention Measure

Situational Crime Prevention (SPC) is a Primary Prevention Measure

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Situational crime prevention (SCP) is a primary prevention strategy that aims to reduce the likelihood and severity of crime by making it more difficult for criminals to commit acts or by reducing the rewards. SCP focuses on changing the situation rather than the characteristics of criminals. 

SCP is based on two theoretical premises: opportunity theory, which states that opportunity makes the thief, and rational choice theory, which states that offenders make choices. SCP techniques can fall into five main categories:

Increasing risk – This can be done by reducing the number of suitable targets, adding guardians, or increasing surveillance. 

Reducing rewards – This can be done by making it harder for criminals to climb buildings or structures, or by using anti-theft paint to identify stolen items.

Reducing provocations – This can be done by removing excuses that offenders may use to justify their actions.

Removing excuses – This can be done by sloping seats at bus shelters to prevent people from sleeping on them.

Increasing effort – This can be done by improving street lighting.

 

SOURCE: 

Burton, B., Situational Crime Prevention: An Introduction, LPRC Research Center, 07.24.2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Protecting Precious Cargo Throughout the Supply Chain

Protecting Precious Cargo Throughout the Supply Chain

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Stolen cargo can cost suppliers thousands to upwards of millions of dollars. The consequences of not sufficiently protecting cargo can be devastating, ranging from financial loss and damaged reputation to long-term, intricate legal disputes. And, today’s thieves are now highly tech-savvy and constantly developing modern ways and strategies to steal cargo from shippers.

Most theft crimes are not investigated because of manpower issues, so it is imperative that carriers take the necessary measures to prevent theft. Provide security training to all personnel, because everyone should be involved with protecting customer freight and company assets.

 

SOURCE: 

Wolfe, C., Protecting Precious Cargo Throughout the Supply Chain, Loss Prevention Magazine, 04.22.2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Security Guards Help Retailers Mitigate Shrink At Retail Stores

Security Guards Help Retailers Mitigate Shrink At Retail Stores

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –

Retailers offering self check-out lanes are more susceptible to “shrink”. Consequently many retailers are eliminating self check-out completely and adding more security guards to mitigate theft to reduce the impact to the store’s bottom line.

 

SOURCE:

Falk, A., Inside Scoop: What’s Happening with Self-Checkout?, Loss Prevention Magazine, 06,28 2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey #mobilesecurity #securitythreats