Posts

Organizations-are-Increasing-Spending-on-Proactive-Security.

Organizations are Increasing Spending on Proactive Security

/in , , /by

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Organizations are increasing spending on proactive security solutions. These solutions include attack surface management and risk-based vulnerability management.

A proactive defense strategy, when combined with reactive security, creates a high level of security to mitigate the overall risk to the organization.

 

SOURCE: 

More than 70% of companies increased spending on proactive security, Security Magazine, 06/25/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Security Risk Assessment: Considerations for Public Venues

Security Risk Assessment: Considerations for Public Venues

/in , , , , /by

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Negative fan behavior. Weather issues. Cyberattacks. Rogue drones. Security incidents at sporting events are impacting athletes, fans, and stadium staff, as well as making headlines in the media.

Other incidents, such as a crowd crush at a white-out game at Penn State and sustained injuries from a lightning strike at a UCF game, are also concerning. National news of active shooters, along with the constant threat of terrorism, accentuate the importance of preparedness.

Any public venue must consider event specific risk assessments to identify threats and vulnerabilities. Outcomes from this process will inform planning efforts, including the development of policies and procedures.

SOURCE: 

Allen, B., Hall, S., The Security Scorecard: Considerations for Sport Venue and Event Managers, Security Management, 06/01/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Leveraging Generative AI to Mitigate Fraud, Disinformation, and Exploitation

Leveraging Generative AI to Mitigate Fraud, Disinformation, and Exploitation

/in , , /by

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Fake news, manipulated media, deep-fakes—disinformation continues to evolve online, fueled by increasingly sophisticated generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) tools. Deepfakes in particular have been used to imitate individuals—whether in video or audio form—to achieve a number of criminal aims.

While intentional reputational damage toward organizations is certainly possible with deep-fakes, malicious actors more frequently aim to score more tangible and immediate profits or inflict damage on an individual.

Don’t trust the voice on the other end of the line. Scammers ask you to pay or send money in ways that make it hard to get your money back. If the caller says to wire money, send cryptocurrency, or buy gift cards and give them the card numbers and PINs, those could be signs of a scam.

 

SOURCE: 

Meyer, C., Putting Generative AI to Use for Crime: Fraud, Disinformation, Exploitation, and More, Security Management, 06/17/2024.

 

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Corpus-Christi-public-libraries-will-now-have-armed-security-guards

Corpus Christi public libraries will now have armed security guards.

/in , , , , , /by

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Effective immediately, all Corpus Christi public libraries will now have armed security guards inside. Previously, only the La Retama location had armed security guards.

The school’s staff feel they don’t have to worry if some crazy person wants to come in with a gun or rifle. At least there is some security, we feel that having them armed would be a deterrent.

The reasoning isn’t linked to one specific incident but rather several incidents libraries have seen over the years.

 

SOURCE: 

Jaramillo, T., All Corpus Christi libraries to have armed security guards effective immediately, KRIS 6 NEWS, 03/27/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Library-Workers-Call-On-City-Officials-to-Place-Security-Guards-in-System.

Library Workers Call On City Officials to Place Security Guards in System

/in , , , , , /by

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

In a dramatic plea for safety, San Francisco librarians are now demanding the city deploy security guards at all library branches, echoing the broader concerns of a community grappling with the city’s rampant drug crisis. 

Business owners and librarians alike report a surge in dangerous incidents, ranging from vandalism to aggressive behavior by individuals under the influence, complicating the narrative of an improving cityscape. This situation has put a spotlight on the urgent need for security measures in public libraries, challenging the efficacy of San Francisco’s current strategies in addressing drug-related issues and public safety. 

The librarians’ call to action underscores a critical juncture in the city’s fight against crime and substance abuse, marking a pivotal moment for local governance and community safety initiatives.

 

SOURCE: 

Angst, M., Scared to deal: Library Staff Security Concerns, San Francisco Chronicle, 04/09/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Body-Cameras-Enhance-the-Safety-of-Civilians-Officers

Body Cameras Enhance the Safety of Civilians & Officers

/in /by

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Incidents of abuse, aggression, and even violence are being experienced by retail professionals more frequently than ever. Alongside other preventative and reactive solutions, technology is coming to the forefront as a way of tackling this growing epidemic.

Body cameras promote transparency by providing an objective record of police-civilian interactions. They help ensure that everyone is held accountable for their actions, provide an unbiased account of events, and help protect agencies from libel. Body cameras enhance the safety of officers and civilians.

 

SOURCE: 

Wolfe, C., Body Cameras: What’s Their Role in the LP Toolkit?, Loss Prevention Magazine, 05/06/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Recognizing-Warning-Signs-of-Workplace-Violence

Recognizing Warning Signs of Workplace Violence

/in , , , , /by

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

There are numerous opportunities in workplaces for publicly humiliating events to occur: poor performance messaging, corrective conversations, negative relationships among coworkers, and disciplinary actions (such as termination of employment) can quickly evolve into situations where an employee feels humiliated, alienated, or even ostracized.

Many of these active shooters were fired or laid off from their employer in the days, weeks, months, and, in some cases, years before carrying out their attacks. The change in their employment status appeared to serve as flashpoints or propellant.

Security and human resources (HR) professionals know well that terminations, disciplinary problems, and conflicts between co-workers (including interpersonal conflicts and bullying) can quickly escalate and amplify pre-existing feelings of animosity and rage. These events can cause an employee to feel publicly humiliated and isolated, fueling a potential attacker’s grievance against a company.

Given that many people who experience conflict or termination at work never become violent, it’s critical to understand why others respond so drastically and severely.

 

SOURCE: 

Gibson, K., Brubaker, L., Simons, A., Publicly Humiliating Events: A Precursor to Workplace Violence?, Security Management, 05/01/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Red-Flags-of-Potential-Violence

8 Warning Behaviors of Potential Violent Attackers

/in , , , /by

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Mass attackers rarely hide all warning signs of potential violence or conflict ahead of a confrontation. Instead, many present red flags or proximal warning behaviors that together form patterns of risk. 

8-Warning-Behaviors-of-Violent-Attckers

8-Warning-Behaviors-of-Violent-Attckers

The Terrorist Radicalization Assessment Protocol (TRAP-18) identifies eight unique proximal warning behaviors.

  1. Pathway Warning Behavior
  2. Fixation Warning Behavior
  3. Identification Warning Behavior
  4. Novel Aggression Warning Behavior
  5. Energy Burst Warning Behavior
  6. Leakage Warning Behavior
  7. Last Resort Warning Behavior
  8. Directly Communicated Threat Warning Behavior

 

SOURCE: 

Meyer, C., What Are the 18 Behavioral Red Flags of Potential Violence?, Security Management, 11/13/2023.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Retailers-Must-Adopt-Proactive-Security-Measures-to-Combat-Crime

Retailers Must Adopt Proactive Security Measures to Combat Crime

/in , , , , /by

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Beyond the financial implications of theft on retailers’ margins and profitability, the escalating levels of violence and the perception of threats of violence connected to theft are also a significant source of concern for retailers. 

Given the surge in violent incidents, an increasing number of retailers are prioritizing the safety of their staff by adopting a “hands-off” approach when dealing with shoplifters.

A secure perimeter is the first line of defense against external theft, including theft linked to Organized Retail Crime (ORC). ORC groups use tactics like theft and fraud to steal merchandise in large quantities. These groups can be difficult to identify and catch, making it challenging for retailers to prevent these crimes.

It is imperative that retailers adopt proactive security measures in order to combat the ever-evolving threat of retail crime. By integrating new technologies into current security strategies, retailers can not only address security challenges proactively but also fortify their ability to protect assets, fostering a secure environment for the collective safety of customers and employees. This strategic integration marks a significant step toward a more robust and secure future for the retail sector. 

 

SOURCE: 

“Elevating Retail Security: Integrating License Plate Recognition and Audio Detection into Your Safety Strategy”, Loss Prevention Magazine, 12/10/2023.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #secruitythreats

 

Security-for-Educational-Institutions-Necessitates-A-Multilayered-Multifactor-Approach

Security for Educational Institutions Necessitates A Multilayered – Multifactor Approach

/in , , , , , /by

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Security in educational institutions goes beyond traditional measures, encompassing a multilayered, multifactor approach that combines technology, personnel training, and emergency preparedness.

According to the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), an independent group dedicated to improving school safety, there are five layers of protection to consider: districtwide, property perimeter, parking lot perimeter, building perimeter, and classroom or interior perimeter.

Policies should be applied identically across all public buildings within the school district. Strong written policies can ensure that people know what to do in an emergency and can support security professionals in their efforts to drive compliance with essential safeguards and accountability. 

To be effective, policies centered on preparedness and prevention, as well as response and recovery, need to be woven into the fabric of the school community.

Layers-of-Protection

Layers-of-Protection

 

SOURCE: 

Grace, G., “Strengthening Schools: A Look at K-12 Security Layers and Emergency Preparedness”, Security Management, 03/01/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #secruitythreats