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Do’s and Don’ts of GenAI for Security Metrics

Do’s and Don’ts of GenAI for Security Metrics

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

 

Security teams must get it right—there’s no room for error.

Do you use ChatGPT or other AI generators for your business security? Regardless of how you implement GenAI, what truly matters is what you do—and don’t do.

There’s no doubt that GenAI models are powerful tools. When adopted responsibly, they can help streamline security protocols, optimize time, and more. However, it’s crucial to remain fully aware of the limitations of GenAI models.

For starters, never underestimate the importance of keeping the human touch in your work. As smart as AI might seem, it cannot capture the intangibles that come from human intuition.

AI lacks a sense of bias and is unaware of what constitutes correct or incorrect facts. Therefore, it is vital to proofread any AI-generated content and verify all facts before acting on the data.

GenAI models are trained on vast amounts of data from multiple sources, meaning there is always a risk that AI-generated content could contain plagiarized text.

 

SOURCE: 

Shelmire, A. Liars in the wires: Getting the most from GenAI without getting duped, Security Magazine, 09/19/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

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

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

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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 put in place security protocols to preserve employee and public safety while respecting the rights of citizens.  Creating a plan and protocols to address these incidents will help you ensure a coordinated response.

  • Establish communication protocols. Create clear communication protocols that explain how information will flow to key parties, such as store or business leadership, employees, customers, neighboring businesses and law enforcement.

  • Assess physical defense measures. How can you protect your building from damage or control the flow of traffic and people?

  • Promote de-escalation tactics. Reinforce your communication protocols during this training. Ensure that the safety of every employee and customer is the number one priority, reminding them to not get involved if physical violence occurs.

  • Implement safety technology. Cameras, alarms, motion detectors, and motion-triggered lights can all bring visibility to situations, add necessary deterrence if you make the decision to close a location, and gather evidence to help law enforcement pursue bad actors. Revisit your existing security investments to assess their capabilities, and consider whether you need new solutions to cover your gaps.   

 

SOURCE: 

Kelley, M. 3 potential security risks to stay ahead of post-election, Security Magazine, 11/20/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Shrink From Theft Significantly Impacts Small-To Medium-Sized Retailers

Shrink From Theft Significantly Impacts Small-To Medium-Sized Retailers

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

SMB retailers operate on narrow profit margins, they typically don’t have the budget or resources to invest in the training, security systems, and personnel to combat theft like larger retailers do. Offenders might also be more familiar with SMB retailers’ store layouts and know they lack specific security measures. If smaller stores with weaker security are located near larger stores with more robust protection, there might be an issue of displacement in which offenders pass by the big box shop for the mom-and-pop.

A low cost solution to theft prevention for SMB retailers is partnerships. Many law enforcement organizations have community policing units, where officers are specially trained to interact with local businesses and citizens to help them solve problems. SMB retailers can connect with this unit or a liaison and invite them to the store to dispense free crime prevention advice.

 

SOURCE: 

Fritsky, L. For Small- to Medium-Sized Business Retailers, Thwarting Theft Needn’t Come with High Effort or Costs, Loss Prevention Magazine, 10/09/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

Remote Loss Prevention Monitoring Enables Businesses to Secure Operations from Anywhere

Remote Loss Prevention Monitoring Enables Businesses to Secure Operations from Anywhere

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

In-person loss prevention and security audit for retail locations isn’t going away any time soon, and shouldn’t. Sometimes you just need to visit a place, if only to show the frontline workers that you genuinely care and are serious about theft and loss, and nothing can replace walking through a retail space with the on-site leader. 

Remote video monitoring allows businesses to conduct loss prevention audits from anywhere. This has a couple major benefits over traditional loss prevention audits:

  • It’s cheaper because you don’t need to travel to a location to conduct the audit. .
  • It’s faster, so you can audit more stores in a day and increase the frequency of your audits

Today, asset protection professionals are being asked to do more with less these days. Remote loss prevention and security audits allow field workers and leaders to do just that. 

 

SOURCE: 

Langley, C. Loss Prevention And Security Audits In Retail. Security Informed, September 2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Physical Security Provides a Secure, Stable and Healthy Workplace

Physical Security Provides a Secure, Stable and Healthy Workplace

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

 

The range, value, and tampering sensitivity of merchandise passing through e-commerce portals is vast, throwing up new challenges for security details.  Protection against theft, against threats to staff, and against tampering, sabotage and the reputational damage resulting are the top priorities.

Physical security serves as a shield for such workers against unauthorized access while protecting against theft, vandalism, and violence.

In workplaces, educational facilities and other public spaces, physical security is the first line of defense. It not only prevents unauthorized entry but also creates a sense of safety and calmness. Providing a secure, stable and healthy workplace is an asset to retention and productivity.

 

SOURCE: 

Fisher, M. Distribution Facilities Ramp Up Safety Measures. The Urban Developer, 09/222024
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Retailers-Must-Implement-Ironclad-Loss-Prevention-Strategies

Retailers Must Implement Ironclad Loss Prevention Strategies

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

One of the biggest threats to retail profits is “shrink,” or preventable losses due to theft or human error. Retail shrink accounts for billions of dollars per year in lost revenue, so it’s in retailers’ best interests to have a comprehensive set of standards designed to avoid these losses. 

The rise of retail organized crime, cyberattacks, and new methods of theft have made reducing shrink harder than ever for retailers. In order to be prepared for these modern threats, retail store owners and managers must have ironclad loss prevention strategies in place, as well as the tools to enforce them.

SOURCE: 

Shein, M. Reassessing the role of loss prevention, Security Magazine, 04/04/2024.
#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

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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

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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



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.

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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.

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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