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Response Time Has a Significant Impact on Crisis Outcomes

Response Time Has a Significant Impact on Crisis Outcomes

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services, on the Need for Crisis Management

A well-communicated and effectively executed crisis management plan significantly increases the likelihood of mitigating the effects of a crisis, regardless of the circumstances. The response component of a crisis plan must account for the unpredictable nature of emergencies while providing a structured approach to managing related activities. Developing a plan that enables swift, confident, and appropriate responses is essential for effective crisis resolution.

During a crisis, it is crucial to quickly assess the situation, determine its severity, identify the need for medical, police, or fire response, implement evacuation protocols, secure assets, and communicate efficiently with all relevant agencies through a structured system. A primary objective of crisis management planning is to establish standardized responses for these critical actions, ensuring they can be applied to a wide range of crisis scenarios.

In any crisis, delivering a fast, efficient, and appropriate response is vital. This process should be guided by a well-defined crisis response framework, reinforced by strong communication strategies and resources.

Source:
Brittain, J. (February 24, 2025). AP Fundamentals: Crisis Response. Loss Prevention Magazine.

Hashtags:
#ProtectionServices #SecurityStandards #PublicSafety #MobileSecurity #SecurityThreats

 

People Counting Technology Enhances Security and Provides Key Customer Insights

People Counting Technology Enhances Security and Provides Key Customer Insights

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services, on the Need for Advanced Technology

Recent advancements in machine learning and deep learning have significantly enhanced the capabilities of video analytics, driving increased interest across industries. Along with improved accuracy and efficiency, these technologies have become more cost-effective and accessible. As a result, organizations are looking beyond traditional security applications to leverage video analytics for business optimization and operational efficiency.

People counting and crowd estimation tools initially gained traction among retailers for health and safety applications. Today, with continued technological advancements, these analytics have evolved into essential tools for a wide range of applications.

With people counting analytics, management can access actionable insights while eliminating the need for labor-intensive, manual foot traffic and occupancy tracking. Retail organizations use this data both for real-time responses and to inform strategic business decisions.

Retailers can analyze customer behavior, calculate conversion rates, and assess the ratio of visitors to actual buyers. Beyond sales and marketing insights, people counting tools also enhance store security. By analyzing historical data, management can determine peak hours and seasonal trends to optimize staffing levels.

Additionally, people counting technology enables real-time security alerts. The system can notify security teams of potential risks, such as individuals or groups spending prolonged periods unsupervised in high-value aisles. This allows management to assess whether increased monitoring or intervention is necessary.

Source:
Ebeid, N. (February 25, 2025). 3 Ways to Leverage People Counting for Operational Efficiencies. Loss Prevention Magazine.

Hashtags:
#ProtectionServices #SecurityStandards #PublicSafety #MobileSecurity #SecurityThreats


Unforeseen Threats Necessitate Enhanced Security in Educational Institutions

Unforeseen Threats Necessitate Enhanced Security in Educational Institutions

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services, on the Need for More Robust Security in Schools

In an era of evolving threats and unforeseen challenges, ensuring the safety of students, staff, and faculty in K-12 schools is of paramount importance. Security in educational institutions must go beyond traditional measures, adopting a multilayered, multifactor approach that integrates technology, personnel training, and emergency preparedness.

K-12 security professionals can reduce risk by implementing strategies grounded in the core principles of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. 

Establishing strong partnerships with local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services—both during simulations and in real-world scenarios—is essential. Collaboration ensures a swift and coordinated response in emergencies, maximizing the effectiveness of preparedness plans.

Whether it’s students remembering not to prop open exterior doors, teachers understanding the appropriate steps to take during emergencies, or school administrators managing communication with parents and first responders—everyone plays a critical role in maintaining a safe school environment.

Source:
Hanson, B. (March 24, 2025). Ballistic-Resistant Solutions for Schools: Trends and Best Practices. Security Magazine.

Hashtags:
#ProtectionServices #SecurityStandards #PublicSafety #MobileSecurity #SecurityThreats

 

Trusted Sources, Such as the Federal Government, Are Scamming Americans

Trusted Sources, Such as the Federal Government, Are Scamming Americans

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services, on how scammers impersonate trusted agencies:

Scamming is on the rise. Scammers are impersonating trusted government agencies to steal people’s personal information and money. Many Americans are being tricked into granting access to their financial information by fraudsters posing as reputable organizations such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Amazon, and the United States Postal Service (USPS).

These scamming tactics send texts, phone messages, and emails with alarming phrases like “Your account has been locked” or “Due to unusual activity.” These scare tactics exploit victims’ judgment in moments of fear and panic, coercing them into revealing personally identifiable information and granting access to their financial accounts.

Source:
(March 26, 2025). Scammers Impersonated USPS More Than Other Organizations. Security Magazine.

Hashtags:
#ProtectionServices #SecurityStandards #PublicSafety #MobileSecurity #SecurityThreats

 

Ghost-Ransomeware-Attack

Ghost Ransomware Widespread Attacks on Organizations Internet-Facing Devices

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services on Ghost Ransomware: 

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) have issued a joint advisory on Ghost ransomware (also known as Cring).

The advisory, which is primarily aimed at network defenders, provides critical details on Ghost ransomware activities, including:

  • Indicators of compromise (IOCs)
  • Tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
  • Detection methods

The data used to compile the advisory comes from FBI investigations into Ghost ransomware incidents. It highlights how Ghost actors are launching widespread attacks by targeting organizations that use outdated software and firmware on internet-facing devices. These threat actors often exploit publicly available code linked to Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) to gain access to vulnerable systems.

The advisory urges network defenders to carefully assess the risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. CISA also recommends reviewing the advisory and implementing its suggested mitigations. For additional guidance on ransomware protection, detection, and response, refer to the #StopRansomware initiative and the associated guide. More information on CISA’s Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs), including recommended baseline protections, is available on their website.

Source:
Alger, J. (February 21, 2025). CISA and FBI Issue Warning for Ghost Ransomware Activity. Security Magazine.
Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Phishing Threats Are on the Rise: Organizations Must Assess Their Vulnerability

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

As AI-powered tools become more accessible, phishing threats are aon the rise. Attackers are increasingly targeting multiple channels to bypass security measures, beginning with phishing emails that contain links to video meetings featuring a deep fake.

Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it essential for organizations to assess their vulnerability. Hackers now have access to advanced AI-powered tools that enable them to craft email messages, create malicious payloads, and even generate deep fakes. These technologies—and the cyberattacks they facilitate—are more accessible than ever, particularly as cybercriminals tap into the growing “Crime as a Service” (CaaS) ecosystem. Providers now sell everything from attack tools to pre-packaged phishing kits designed to bypass native defenses and secure email gateways (SEGs).

Threat actors can leverage AI at every stage of a phishing attack, from speeding up the intelligence-gathering process on potential targets to automating the creation and distribution of highly personalized attacks. The use of AI accelerates and scales up attack creation, allowing even less-experienced cybercriminals to launch sophisticated campaigns. 

Impersonation attacks are another common tactic. The most frequent form involves attackers posing as the recipient’s company, accounting for 16% of phishing emails. The Human Resources (HR) department is often impersonated in these attacks. Cybercriminals also use platforms like LinkedIn, company websites, and news announcements to identify new hires at target organizations. These newly hired employees are then targeted in impersonation and social engineering attacks. New employees are frequently the victims of phishing emails impersonating VIPs, particularly in CEO fraud schemes.

To strengthen defenses, organizations can adopt best practices that help build a “human firewall.” The first step is to understand and communicate what constitutes normal behavior for brands and suppliers, which can aid in detecting impersonation. Organizations should also standardize and validate communication channels, especially for roles like HR and IT. Finally, companies should assess their vulnerability to supply chain and vendor-based compromises.

Source:
Alger, J. (February 20, 2025). Mobile Phishing Threats Are Evolving, According to New Research. Security Magazine.

 

Loss Prevention Strategies

Loss Prevention Strategies for Combating Organized Retail Theft

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Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protections Services on Loss Preventions Strategies:

Organized retail theft (ORT) impacts more than just a retailer’s bottom line; it creates dangerous environments for both staff and shoppers. The increasing incidents of violence and aggression have pushed retailers to invest heavily in loss prevention strategies. In response, major retailers are partnering with technology innovators to strengthen their defenses. 

(ORT) involves coordinated efforts by professional thieves to steal large quantities of merchandise from retail stores. Unlike casual shoplifting, ORT is systematic, with stolen goods often resold through various channels, including online marketplaces. This form of theft has seen a significant rise in recent years, resulting in billions of dollars in annual losses for retailers.

Companies such as Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Kroger, Macy’s, CVS, and others are at the forefront, using cutting-edge technology to deter and detect criminal activity. From advanced video surveillance systems to biometric cameras and autonomous security robots, retailers are deploying a formidable arsenal to combat the growing threat of ORT. Central to this technological revolution is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), which enhances the sophistication and effectiveness of existing security measures.

Source:
Danielson, R. (February 20, 2025). Retail Resilience: Technology Strategies to Combat Organized Theft. Security Magazine.
Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Law-Enforcement

New Framework for Law Enforcement to Make Ethical Decisions

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Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protection Services on Law Enforcement:

Europol released a new framework designed to help law enforcement make ethical decisions regarding the incorporation of new technologies into their work.

The framework is part of the report Assessing Technologies in Law Enforcement: A Method for Ethical Decision-Making, which provides a structured approach for evaluating new technology while ensuring the preservation of public trust and the protection of fundamental rights.

The goal of the framework is to ensure that the adoption and use of new technologies align with core values such as transparency, fairness, privacy, and accountability. By implementing this structured ethical framework, Europol aims to enhance public confidence in law enforcement’s use of technology, ensuring that innovation in policing aligns with societal values and legal safeguards.

The framework outlines steps to support law enforcement in making ethically sound decisions when using innovative technology. It encourages law enforcement agencies to ask the following four questions to assess the ethical appropriateness of technology:

  1. Consistency: Is the use of the technology always appropriate under similar conditions?
  2. Dignity: Does the technology usage demonstrate that law enforcement agencies are acting in the best interest of the people, rather than using their authority solely for other objectives?
  3. Public Acceptance: Would the use of this technology be acceptable to the public if it were made generally known?
  4. Accountability: Are the necessary competencies and resources in place to take responsibility for the use of the technology?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” Europol recommends rejecting or modifying the use of the technology in that specific case. If the answers are affirmative, Europol suggests law enforcement agencies evaluate the potential short-term and long-term consequences of using the technology. This step helps weigh the potential impacts on all parties involved and assess any biases that might arise.

Source:
Gates, M. (February 21, 2025). Europol Publishes Framework on Ethical Use of New Technology in Law Enforcement. Security Management Magazine.

 

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.