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Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Strengths Come Down to Human Error

Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Strengths Come Down to Human Error

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

Automated threat detection and prevention, advanced intelligence, and AI-driven supply chain attacks—AI today has evolved significantly beyond the days of basic pattern matching.

While human error and uncertainty may initially amplify AI risks, it is ultimately the oversight of AI—the collaboration between humans and algorithms—that will enable us to safely innovate and explore this technology. AI itself is designed to be a positive force, unlocking value and improving efficiency.

However, AI cannot be left unchecked. The best way for organizations to mitigate AI risks is through increased education and employee training. People must know what to look for, and more broadly, you can never overemphasize the importance of cyber awareness training. Even beyond AI, there are countless ways to compromise an individual system or its information, and the digital landscape is constantly evolving.

The more we can educate employees and strengthen security measures across the board, the better prepared organizations will be to remain compliant, resilient, and scalable in this new era.

Source:
(2025, Jan 17). 3 Ways AI Will Transform Security in 2025. Security Education & Training.

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

 

Organized Retail Crime: Strategies for Mitigating Loss

Organized Retail Crime: Strategies for Mitigating Loss

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

To effectively combat organized retail crime, retailers must establish strong partnerships with industry associations, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant stakeholders. Such collaboration enables the exchange of intelligence, best practices, and emerging trends, allowing for a proactive response to the evolving nature of organized crime.

Partnership with Law Enforcement:
Close collaboration with law enforcement is critical. Retailers should establish direct communication channels with local police departments and develop protocols for promptly reporting organized crime incidents.

Training Store Associates:
Education and awareness are key to preventing organized crime. Retail employees must receive comprehensive training on identifying organized crime indicators, understanding theft patterns, and implementing effective prevention techniques.

Source:
Brittain, J. (2025, January 14). Retail’s Dangerous Triangle: Trafficking, Trucking, & Organized Theft. Loss Prevention Magazine.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats


How Security Is Shaping the Cannabis Industry

How Security Is Shaping the Cannabis Industry

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

A surveillance system can help protect your business from theft, particularly employee theft, which is a widespread issue in the cannabis industry. For large outdoor growing operations, having a monitoring system in place provides peace of mind by securing your property from all angles at all times.

Source:
Baxter, K. (2025, January 13). How security is shaping the cannabis industry. Security InfoWatch.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Mitigate Losses to the Supply Chain with Robust Security Protection

Mitigate Losses to the Supply Chain with Robust Security Protection

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

Companies lose billions of dollars annually due to cargo theft. Many manufacturers don’t realize their shipments have been stolen until it’s too late, often discovering the issue only when the shipment fails to arrive on the expected date.

To mitigate losses in the supply chain caused by security threats, key protection measures include:

  • Thorough vendor vetting
  • Robust access controls
  • Data encryption
  • Continuous monitoring
  • Incident response planning
  • Supply chain visibility through technology
  • Diversifying suppliers
  • Implementing strong cybersecurity practices across all tiers of the supply chain, ensuring all partners adhere to the same security standards.

Source:
Fryer, N. (2025, January 18). How transportation management systems mitigate supply chain risks for manufacturers. Security InfoWatch.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Active Shooter Situations: Handling Conflicts & De-Escalation Tactics

Active Shooter Situations: Handling Conflicts & De-Escalation Tactics

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Active Shooter Situation

A violent altercation at an AutoZone auto parts store on Broadway in Newburgh, Orange County, left one man dead from a gunshot wound and another injured from stab wounds.

Frank Costa, NEXGEN Protection Services

NEXGEN Protection offers 24/7 security for your business with armed guards trained to protect and de-escalate conflicts. Our team of professional, armed guards is rigorously trained and experienced in handling complex security challenges, ensuring safety, peace of mind, and compliance with regulations.

Two men were injured—one sustained stab wounds, while the other was shot. Officers immediately rendered medical aid to both individuals. The man with stab wounds was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, while the man with the gunshot wound was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Rise of Physical Security De-escalation Tactics

The Rise of Physical Security De-escalation Tactics

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

In recent years, one of the most pressing issues at the center of national conversations has been the use of excessive and unnecessary police force. This topic will continue to be a focal point, and one major shift in the security industry will be the increased emphasis on de-escalation tactics and training for safety officers, with a focus on making this a first resort.

De-escalation training equips security personnel with the tools they need to resolve emergencies without the use of force. It empowers officers to slow down, assess situations more effectively, and communicate clearly with both the individual involved and their team. Just as importantly, it helps mitigate the risk of liability and reduce the potential for injuries to security personnel.

While having a physical security or human guarding team on-site is crucial and can prevent further escalation, hybrid security strategies that incorporate technology are becoming increasingly important. The remote work revolution is well underway, and many companies have adopted a hybrid office model, allowing employees to spend time both on- and off-site.

SOURCE: 

Weingot, D. Guard trends to watch in 2022. Security InforWatch, 02/14/2022.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Supply Chain Attacks: Exploiting Third-Party Vulnerabilities

Supply Chain Attacks: Exploiting Third-Party Vulnerabilities

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

The cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. With the rise of sophisticated attack methods, the integration of new technologies, and increasing connectivity across sectors, businesses are facing more complex cybersecurity threats than ever before. Staying informed and prepared is critical to protecting data, maintaining trust, and ensuring business continuity.

Supply Chain Attacks

As businesses increasingly rely on external vendors and partners, supply chain attacks have become a significant cybersecurity concern. In these attacks, threat actors infiltrate a company’s system by compromising a third-party provider, gaining access to multiple organizations through a single vulnerability.

How to Prepare:

  • Vendor Risk Assessments: Conduct thorough security assessments for all vendors and partners to identify potential vulnerabilities.
  • Contractual Security Requirements: Include cybersecurity clauses in vendor contracts to ensure security standards are upheld.
  • Network Segmentation: Isolate critical systems from external partners to prevent attackers from moving freely within your network.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Use real-time monitoring to track vendor activity and detect any unusual behavior early.

 

SOURCE: 

Top Cybersecurity Threats to Watch in 2025: How Businesses Can Prepare, Boston Institute of Analytics, 11/14/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

The Importance of Parking Lot Security During the Holiday Season

The Importance of Parking Lot Security During the Holiday Season

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

The holiday season brings increased activity to shopping centers, office complexes, and other public spaces, making parking lots prime targets for various security threats. Understanding these risks and implementing effective countermeasures can help reduce threats to both individuals and property.

With large crowds and busy lots, personal safety risks such as assaults, robberies, and carjackings become more prevalent. Criminals often target individuals carrying cash, credit cards, or valuable items. To counteract these threats, mobile security cameras equipped with motion sensors and two-way communication can provide an added layer of safety. These cameras enable security personnel to monitor isolated areas more closely. The ability to relocate cameras based on real-time data and activity trends ensures that security coverage can adapt to shifting risks, providing a more comprehensive safety strategy.

To mitigate these security threats, parking lot owners should invest in enhanced lighting, permanent and mobile surveillance systems, increased security patrols, and emergency call stations. Mobile security cameras, in particular, offer a versatile and dynamic solution for monitoring parking lots. These cameras can be repositioned as needed, provide real-time surveillance, and serve both as a deterrent and a responsive tool for addressing security issues.

Additionally, patrons should practice personal safety measures, such as parking in well-lit areas, staying vigilant, and securing their belongings. By combining strategic security technologies like mobile cameras with proactive safety practices, property owners, managers, and patrons can work together to create a safer and more secure environment during the busy holiday season.

 

SOURCE: 

Survey: Parking lot safety influences holiday shopping habits, Security Magazine, 2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Retailers Must Leverage Technology That Goes Beyond Thwarting Theft to Predicting It

Retailers Must Leverage Technology That Goes Beyond Thwarting Theft to Predicting It

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

Violence remains a major concern for the retail industry. Retailers and solution providers must collaborate to develop and implement technology that goes beyond simply thwarting theft. Efforts must focus on predicting and preventing theft. By doing so will proactively reduce the risk of violence and mitigate crime.

Retailers have reported an increase in both the average number of shoplifting incidents and the amount of dollars lost due to shoplifting over the past year (National Retail Federation, The Impact of Retail Theft & Violence 2024).

Protecting store associates and customers, while reducing today’s levels of violence and retail crime, requires a whole-community approach and collaboration across all stakeholders.

SOURCE: 

Wolfe, C. New Study Shows Shoplifting Is Up 93% Since Before the COVID-19 Pandemic, Loss Prevention Magazine, 12/19/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Creating a Loss Prevention Culture: A Thoughtful, Strategic Approach

Creating a Loss Prevention Culture: A Thoughtful, Strategic Approach

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

Set Up a Loss Prevention/Asset Protection Team

Creating a loss prevention culture requires a thoughtful, strategic approach. Here are four key steps to establish a cohesive and proactive loss prevention framework:

1. Define Your Mission and Scope

The first step in fostering an effective loss prevention culture is to clarify its focus, goals, and priorities. This involves defining the specific areas your company’s loss prevention efforts will address, such as waste management, operational inefficiencies, and workplace safety.

Equally important is determining how the success of your loss prevention culture will be measured. Beyond traditional metrics like shrink reduction, consider tracking waste, gross margin, accident frequency rate (AFR), safety compliance, and other indicators that align with your business objectives.

Establishing these foundational elements helps shape the structure of your loss prevention efforts, guiding leadership, field management, and store-level teams.

2. Assemble a Dynamic Team

A successful loss prevention culture thrives on a team with diverse skill sets. You need a mix of traditional loss prevention expertise and operational knowledge to effectively combat evolving tactics in organized retail crime and other complex loss events. This means having team members skilled in investigations as well as those with deep knowledge of business operations.

Building a robust loss prevention culture is about more than preventing theft; it’s about understanding how every facet of your business contributes to loss. A diverse team ensures you’re prepared to tackle challenges from multiple angles.

3. Foster a Unified Loss Prevention Environment

Building a true loss prevention culture requires teamwork and collaboration. Strong interdepartmental relationships and clear policies are essential for effective decision-making and risk mitigation. These policies provide employees with a framework to minimize errors, ensure proper data handling, and enforce compliance.

By collaborating with sales, operations, and other departments, loss prevention becomes seamlessly integrated into the business culture.

4. Leverage Technology for Scalable Growth

Investing in technology can significantly strengthen your loss prevention culture. While the initial costs may seem high, tools like incident management software and audit platforms with workflow automation can handle increased workloads without proportional increases in costs, making them ideal for scalable growth.

SOURCE: 

Wolfe, C. Why Human Resources and Loss Prevention Should Train Together, Loss Prevention Magazine, 12/20/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats