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Terrorist-Organizations

The Trump Administration Designates Several Cartels as Terrorist Organizations

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Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protection Services on Terrorist Organizations:

The Trump administration designated eight Latin American cartels as terrorist organizations on Thursday, a designation typically reserved for groups with political goals achieved through violence.

The U.S. Department of State filed the notice of the designation in The Federal Register on February 20. The action targets the following cartels:

  • Cartel del Golfo (CDG), also known as the Gulf Cartel and the Osiel Cárdenas-Guillén Organization
  • Cartel del Noreste (CDN), also known as the Northeast Cartel and Los Zetas
  • Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), also known as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel
  • Cartel de Sinaloa, also known as the Sinaloa Cartel, the Mexican Federation, and the Guadalajara Cartel
  • Carteles Unidos, also known as United Cartels, Tepalcatepec Cartel, Cartel de Tepalcatepec, the Grandfather Cartel, Cartel del Abuelo, and Cartel de Los Reyes
  • La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM)
  • Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)
  • Tren de Aragua (Aragua Train)

The eight cartels’ members are described as “foreign persons who have committed or attempted to commit, pose a significant risk of committing, or have participated in training to commit acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States,” according to the State Department filing.

Source:
Gates, M. (February 20, 2025). United States Designates 8 Cartels as Terrorist Organizations. Security Management Magazine.



security threats

Security Threats: Keeping Convenience Stores Safe

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Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protection Services on Security Threats:

Store owners and operators often face security threats. A difficult balancing act between maintaining profits and implementing security measures—especially when the costs of security are presented alongside traditional profit generators like marketing or product stocking.

Convenience stores come in many forms, from the mom-and-pop bodega in New York City to the sleek Speedway on the side of a cross-country highway. Despite their differences, all of these stores serve millions of U.S. customers looking for a quick drink, snack, or pack of cigarettes.

Given the transient nature of the convenience store industry, it’s a business where you never know who will walk through your door at any given time. While the convenience of these stores appeals to patrons, it also attracts criminals. Thieves frequently target these locations in hopes of stealing cash and merchandise. Organized criminal groups tend to focus on items that can be resold on the black or gray market, such as cigarettes, alcohol, lottery tickets, or other popular products.

Some owners might assume that enhancing store security requires the latest (and possibly most expensive) surveillance system or locks. However, it’s essential to first assess the overall environment and understand the specific threats a store faces.

Larger companies with multiple locations, whether regionally or nationwide, often have security departments that can conduct risk assessments. Relying on these resources can help identify local crime trends and determine what factors might impact a particular store.

Source:
Mosqueda, S. (February 10, 2025). Keeping Convenience Stores Safe from Physical Threats. Security Management Magazine.


Fraud-Schemes-Continue-to-Rise

Fraud Schemes Continue to Rise

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Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protections Services on Fraud Schemes:

Fraud remains a persistent problem that organizations continue to struggle with, including the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), one of the federal agencies tasked with addressing fraud schemes.

Below are some of the top fraud scams that affected individuals and organizations in 2024 and are likely to continue being a problem in 2025.

  1. Investment Scams
    This scam tactic has been around for ages. Fraudsters often present themselves with seemingly lucrative business opportunities that promise regular returns—if you invest immediately.
  2. Business Email Compromise (BEC)
    BEC schemes have been around since email was first introduced and typically occur in one of two ways, according to Schlereth.
    Fraudsters either spoof a legitimate email address or domain name, often adding an extra letter so the sender appears authentic at a quick glance. Alternatively, they may use social engineering to obtain an employee’s credentials and then log into the victim’s work email. CFOs and CEOs are particularly lucrative targets.
  3. Check Fraud
    What’s old is new again. Check fraud surged last year, especially after individuals posted videos on social media showing themselves writing bad checks, depositing them at ATMs, withdrawing cash before the check bounced, and sharing their behavior.
    “Fraudulently altered checks can cause significant losses to financial institutions and disrupt bank operations,” the report states. “Due to the nationwide surge in check fraud targeting U.S. mail, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an alert urging financial institutions to be vigilant in identifying and reporting such activity.”
  4. Impersonation Fraud
    In this scam, criminals claim victims are suspects in financial crimes and threaten arrest or violence unless they pay the criminals. Additionally, fraudsters are impersonating customer service and tech support providers, often targeting individuals over 60 by phone. They claim that the victim’s computer has been compromised and needs immediate repair.

Source:
Gates, M. (February 1, 2025). Trend Alert: 4 Fraud Schemes to Watch in 2025. Security Management Magazine.

 

Security Protection

Executive Security Protection: Risks, Extremist Influencers, Shifting Tactics

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Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protection Services on Security Protection:

Concerns about executive safety remain high. Not only was UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson tragically killed in December 2024, but there have also been multiple other incidents involving threats against business executives. Additionally, social media influencers and other sources have incited calls for similar attacks.

High-level executives without an executive security protection (EP) team are increasingly vulnerable to becoming targets.

The heightened emotional climate surrounding politics and public figures has made executive protection more challenging—and more essential. Politically motivated threats were notably higher in 2024. More than 50 members of Congress were victims of swatting attacks, and 700 members had faced threats the previous month. (Many threats were not publicly reported, so they are not included in TorchStone’s official threat count.)

Tactics are also evolving. Threat incidents are now categorized as verbal or written threats, harassment, stalking, physical attacks, and other crimes, which may include financially motivated offenses such as robberies, home invasions, and property crimes.

Source:
Gates, M. (February 5, 2025). EP Trends: Residential Risks, Extremist Influencers, Shifting Tactics. Security Management Magazine.



Fraud-Detection-with-Video-Surveillance-Analytics.

Ways to Boost Fraud Detection with Video Surveillance & Analytics

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Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protections Services on Fraud Detection:

Fraud costs the financial sector billions of dollars each year. It’s a persistent challenge for banks globally, made more complex by increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics and methods.

To stay ahead of fraud, financial institutions must leverage every available tool to protect their customers and assets. One such tool is video surveillance and analytics. By integrating video technology with fraud detection systems, banks can gain real-time insights, spot patterns, and take a proactive approach to security. This not only helps detect fraud but also prevents it from escalating.

  1. Real-Time Fraud Alerts
    Fraud detection systems generate a massive amount of data, but not every alert indicates a genuine threat. Video surveillance adds a critical visual layer, helping differentiate between legitimate fraud and false alarms.
  2. License Plate Recognition
    Drive-up ATMs and tellers face unique security challenges, especially in suburban and rural areas. License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology, integrated with video systems, offers a powerful way to identify vehicles linked to fraudulent activities. This information can be used to flag repeat offenders or known fraudsters.
  3. Behavioral Analytics
    ATM skimming is one of the most persistent threats to banks. Video surveillance equipped with behavioral analytics can identify suspicious patterns, such as individuals loitering near ATMs without conducting transactions or using multiple cards in quick succession.
  4. Integrated Surveillance
    ATM jackpotting—where criminals manipulate ATMs to dispense large amounts of cash—is a growing global issue. Combining video surveillance with physical sensors offers an effective defense. Cameras can detect unusual activity, like tampering, suspicious vehicles parked near ATMs, or vehicles with no license plates, and trigger real-time alerts.
  5. Loitering Detection
    Ensuring customer safety, especially at ATMs after hours, is a top priority for banks. Video surveillance with loitering detection analytics can identify individuals lingering near ATMs for extended periods, enabling timely intervention.
  6. Video Storage with Hybrid Solutions
    Storing surveillance footage for extended periods can be expensive. Hybrid storage solutions, which combine on-premises and cloud-based video storage, offer a practical alternative. Banks can securely store critical footage without the need for large-scale on-site infrastructure.
  7. Camera-to-Cloud Solutions for Remote Monitoring
    In some areas, installing on-site recorders can be impractical due to space or connectivity issues. Camera-to-cloud solutions address this by streaming video directly to the cloud. This eliminates the need for on-site hardware while maintaining full surveillance capabilities.
  8. Disaster Preparedness for Video Data
    Natural disasters pose a significant challenge to video surveillance systems. To mitigate this risk, banks should ensure that critical footage is preserved, even when on-site systems are compromised. Centralized evidence archiving allows banks to offload important video data to secure locations before a disaster strikes.

Transforming Fraud Prevention with Video Analytics

Video surveillance and analytics are revolutionizing fraud prevention, equipping banks with powerful tools to detect threats in real-time, enhance customer safety, and streamline security operations. From preventing ATM skimming and jackpotting to addressing loitering and improving evidence management, integrating video technology with existing systems strengthens banks’ ability to combat financial crime.

Source:
Corral, J. (February 5, 2025). 8 Ways to Boost Fraud Detection with Video Surveillance and Analytics. Security Management Magazine.



Build a Security Mindset Up & Down the Organization

Build a Security Mindset Up & Down the Organization

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

For security to be truly effective, everyone at your organization must be both informed and invested in safeguarding against external threats. Infusing a security mindset throughout the organization requires consistent prioritization and active engagement at all levels.

Security is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of emerging threats demands continuous knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Exceptional security processes arise from working together, learning from peers, and uplifting one another. Without this approach, organizations risk stagnation and vulnerability to new digital threats.

Given that security needs constantly change in response to unpredictable events and evolving threats, vigilance is essential. By maintaining strong partnerships with departments across the organization and encouraging innovative thinking, security professionals can help ensure business resilience and productivity.

 

Source:
Armer, M. (2020, Jun 24). 4 Ways to Always Be Improving Security. enterprisersproject.com.

Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats


Workplace Violence Poses Significant Risks to the Well-Being of Workers

Workplace Violence Poses Significant Risks to the Well-Being of Workers

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

Workplace violence poses serious risks to both employee well-being and business health, leading to decreased employee engagement and significant losses in productivity, profit, and retention. As workplace tensions rise, employees are feeling the strain. With political polarization at an all-time high, fostering respectful dialogue and creating inclusive work environments will be essential for maintaining business continuity in the coming year.

Leaders must confront workplace incivility head-on and actively promote a culture of respect and inclusion to safeguard both their employees’ well-being and their organization’s long-term success.

 

Source:
Popera, A. (2024, Dec 18). The Cost of Incivility: Addressing Workplace Challenges into 2025. SHRM.org.

Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats


The Critical Need for Secure Communications in Modern Law Enforcement

The Critical Need for Secure Communications in Modern Law Enforcement

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

As cyber threats continue to evolve and multi-agency operations become more common, the need for secure communications in law enforcement has never been more critical. Recent events, such as coordinated responses to threats against public figures, have underscored the challenges of maintaining secure, effective communication across multiple agencies while safeguarding sensitive information.

Law enforcement agencies face unique challenges when it comes to securing their communications. 

Unlike private sector organizations, they cannot afford to go offline during a security breach. They must ensure continuous operations while managing sensitive data about ongoing investigations, coordinating responses to emergencies, and sharing critical intelligence across jurisdictions. The stakes are especially high when multiple agencies must collaborate quickly, as demonstrated in recent high-profile security operations.

To stay ahead of these challenges, law enforcement agencies must implement robust, secure communication platforms that meet their operational needs while protecting sensitive information and preserving public trust.

Source:
Halstead, J. (2025, Jan 03). The Critical Need for Secure Communications in Modern Law Enforcement. https://avice.org/

Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats


Security Protection: Conflict, Confusion & Chaos

Security Protection: Conflict, Confusion & Chaos

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

By 2025, emerging “rogue actors” will operate with increasing impunity as countries fragment—geographically, ethnically, and ideologically. Established political parties, both left and right, are in systemic decline, steadily losing primary vote shares to insurgent candidates and parties across the political spectrum.

For security professionals, the message is clear: the landscape is becoming more complex. However, with the right tools and strategies, it’s still possible to manage risks and seize opportunities. Technology will play a crucial role in identifying incidents, delivering personalized risk information, and supporting the fieldwork, local knowledge, and analysis provided by risk professionals.

The most resilient organizations in this fragmenting world will combine advanced technology with “human-in-the-loop” strategies, enabling better decision-making in an increasingly unpredictable environment.

Source:
(2025, Jan 06). An Era of Conflict: Navigating a ‘Fragmenting World’ in 2025. Security & Business Resilience.

Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats


Why Does the Public Feel Unsafe and Have No Privacy?

Why Does the Public Feel Unsafe and Have No Rights?

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

People want to feel safe without the discomfort of being constantly monitored, which presents a challenge for security leaders who must continue prioritizing safety while respecting privacy.

Privacy Concerns:

Modern individuals place a high value on privacy and often feel uneasy when security measures appear overly focused on surveillance, such as excessive camera monitoring or intrusive personal checks.

Subtle Security:

Security leaders must focus on methods that provide protection without being overtly noticeable. By doing so, they can create a more comfortable experience for individuals while still ensuring safety.

Creative Solutions:

This can involve the use of technology such as smart sensors that activate only when necessary, discreet security personnel, or designing spaces in a way that naturally promotes safety without feeling oppressive or invasive.

Source:
(2025, Jan 09). Navigating Surveillance: Balancing Security and Privacy. Security Magazine.

Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats