Posts

The Rise of Physical Security De-escalation Tactics

The Rise of Physical Security De-escalation Tactics

/in , , , , , /by

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

/in , , , , , , /by

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

 

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

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

/in , , , , , /by

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

 

Recruit, Retain, and Lead Your Security Team with the Best

Recruit, Retain, and Lead Your Security Team with the Best

/in , , , , , /by

Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

When it comes to leadership, there’s one quality that most of us can recognize but few of us point to when deciphering what it truly means to be a leader.

What is it that makes us excel at what we do? There are many qualities we might identify: intelligence, experience, ambition, flexibility, and the mountain of intangibles that describe talent.

Follow These Rules When Building Your Security Team:

  • The past is something to learn from, not live in. Old habits, ideas, and routines don’t always work when taking on new roles and responsibilities. In a constantly changing world, looking back should only serve as a guide to moving forward.
  • Don’t be afraid of failure. We all strive to perform well, but it’s equally important to learn from our mistakes. If you’ve never failed, chances are you’re not reaching your full potential.
  • Don’t be afraid of success. Recognize your strengths and limitations, set realistic but challenging goals, and don’t hesitate to push yourself beyond your comfort zone.
  • Look for ways to apply new information to your everyday tasks. This helps spark innovative ideas and opens doors to new opportunities.
  • Your title doesn’t make you a leader—your people do. Be a servant leader. Trust your team and provide them with the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed on their own merits.
  • See the big picture, but focus on individual steps. Moving toward the future is important, but we must also appreciate the journey. Every small step counts.
  • Working smart is just as important as working hard. We all understand the need to work hard to achieve our goals, but hard work alone isn’t enough. It takes patience, planning, and strategy to find the most efficient path forward.

 

SOURCE: 

Brittain, J. Changing the Pace of the Game, Loss Prevention Magazine, 12/19/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Building Agile Security Strategies Adaptable to the Rapidly Changing Landscape

Building Agile Security Strategies Adaptable to the Rapidly Changing Landscape

/in , , , , /by

Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

The future of network security is both exciting and challenging. Organizations must stay ahead of emerging trends by building agile security strategies that are adaptable to the rapidly evolving threat landscape.

Retailers, in particular, must demonstrate daily flexibility to protect their workers, meet sales goals, and attract customers—all while maintaining safe and efficient operations. Retail is a complex web of interconnected elements.

To stay competitive, organizations need technology that is “future-proof”—capable of meeting shifting consumer demands, ensuring operational efficiency, and safeguarding against potential security threats, both internally and externally.

Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging a combination of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), targeting multiple areas at once to breach defenses. We can expect an increase in the sophistication and evasion tactics of web-based attacks, file-based attacks, DNS-based attacks, and ransomware, making it more difficult for traditional, siloed security tools to effectively defend against modern threats.

Preventing these attacks will require multiple security services working together as part of an integrated platform to stop every attack along the cyber kill chain.

 

SOURCE: 

Davidson, B. Cutting Retail Losses, Security Today, 11/13/2024.
#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

/in , , , , , , /by

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

 

soft skills

Soft Skills Pay Off for Retailers Creating Safer Workplaces

/in , , /by

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

De-escalating volatile situations starts with communication skills, which can help in understanding and then talking down a challenging customer. The overall goal in this stage is to calm the person down and bring him or her to a more reasonable interaction.

For sales floor associates, framing a conversation around collaboration or finding a solution to appease the customer is another tactic that can de-escalate a volatile shopper into a satisfied one.

Communication skills have broad benefits, helping sales associates communicate and provide customer service to shoppers who may enter a store in an aggressive mood.

Non Confrontational engagement with customers through the sharing of knowledge and tools on mitigating volatile situations ensures everyone is able to enjoy the shopping experience. 

 

SOURCE: 

Mosqueda, S. Soft Skills Pay Off for Retailers Creating Safer Workplaces, Security Management, 2/12/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

Security Firm Agents Identify Threats That AI Simply Cannot

Security Firm Agents Identify Threats That Artificial Intelligence (AI) Simply Cannot

/in , , , /by

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become deeply integrated into both our personal and professional lives. From dynamic pricing to healthcare diagnostics, businesses across sectors leverage AI to improve efficiency and outcomes.

AI can efficiently sift through thousands of résumés, highlighting candidates with the right keywords for specific roles.  Human recruiters excel at evaluating soft skills, emotional intelligence, and adaptability—traits that are crucial to success in almost any role. These insights come through interviews, personal interactions, and even informal conversations that AI simply cannot replicate.

Combining AI’s strengths with human intuition, organizations can build diverse, talented teams that support long-term success.

SOURCE: 

Ruiz, V. Background Checks for Security Businesses, Security Info Watch Magazine, 11/7/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Background Checks Can Spot Red Flags On Applications

Background Checks Can Spot Red Flags On Applications

/in , , /by

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

For security integrators and consultants, background checks play an obviously vital role, as many employees are placed in a position of high trust for customers.   

During the hiring process, a company may conduct a background check to ensure that a candidate does not have a criminal background that could create a danger in the workplace or is being truthful about their employment history. 

Background checks verify a wealth of information about prospective candidates:

 

Identity: 

Background checks can help verify a person’s identity. Checking against records like social security numbers and fingerprint databases ensures that a person is actually who they say they are and has no malicious intentions.

 

Credit: 

Depending on who conducts a background check, it may include a detailed or abbreviated credit history report. Credit history is a crucial determinant of whether a lender will approve a loan to someone, while employers can check a prospective employee’s credit history to gauge how responsible they might be.

 

Criminal history: 

Background check providers will compare a person against several criminal databases on a state, national, and international level to ensure any relevant criminal charges in an applicant’s past are brought to light. Knowing this information is especially important for employers, especially for jobs in the security industry.

 

Employment, academic, and licensure verification: 

Background checks can also verify essential qualifications such as employment history, academic credentials, and licenses. Since these qualifications are often legally required for jobs, verifying them with a background check ensures that new hires meet all legal requirements.

 

SOURCE: 

Coats, K. Background Checks for Security Businesses, Security Info Watch Magazine, 11/19/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Acquire the necessary skills to survive an active shooter incident.

Acquire the necessary skills to survive an active shooter incident.

/in , , , , , , /by

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

The A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training Program is a comprehensive training program designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to survive an active shooter incident. Its emphasis on situational awareness and decision-making makes it a practical and effective approach to active shooter situations. By empowering individuals to take proactive measures to protect themselves and others, the program can help prevent tragedies and save lives.

A.L.I.V.E. stands for Assess, Leave, Impede, Violence, and Expose. These are the steps that anyone can take to more effectively respond should you ever be confronted with an active shooter situation, terrorist attack, violent attacker in the workplace, and other potentially deadly events.

 

SOURCE: 

Lasky, S. Staying A.L.I.V.E. During Active Shooter Incidents with Michael Julian, Security Info Watch Magazine, 112/27/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats