By Phil Dolby, Founder, Smarter Response Ltd™
From Ancient History to Modern Reality
I went to an IMAX to see Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ this week. A cinematic experience which was awesome, in the truest sense of that word.
The famous Trojan Horse features, of course. That got me thinking about the security of the estate and points of access that our numerous clients manage. There is a US stat that 94% of intruders who have gone on to commit a violent act at a site already had access… either currently or in the past.
I am always keen to explain to our clients that the US threat context has many significant differences to the treat context of the UK. There is some real issues to think through, though, for UK organisations and leaders.
Just a problem for the Trojans or for us as well…?
What if our modern-day Trojan Horses are able to have such access because we have not been robust enough in our management of our own assets such as security passes, key fobs, ID badges, network permissions and so on..?
Familiarity can also erode strict access discipline. I have been able to access a number of our client’s sites by being polite with very nice people who have then let me in. I haven’t had to climb through or over anything. CCTV and alarms are only able to record after the ‘hostile’ does something after that, not prevent it or provide early detection.
How many staff at hospitals, schools, businesses etc are subject to violence from people they already know – patients, students, customers, colleagues?
Are HR, Security, Safeguarding and Operations (or your version of them!) working in sync so that anyone who has their access suspended or withdrawn cannot still have the credentials, passes or logins that could be used with ill intent?
(Hey police forces – have you 100% got all those warrant cards back from officers and staff who have left… honestly?)
We’re 3000 years too late to help the Trojans, but we CAN help you
As part of the Smarter Response Ltd framework, we conduct detailed assessments of sites, perimeters, interiors, processes, CCTV, systems, asset registers, policies, plans, leadership architecture and more. We also offer training, scenario testing, structured debriefs and ongoing ways to keep your staff prepared.
Remember to look inward, as well as outward. It’s not about being fearful, just about being prepared and disciplined.
www.smarter-response.com
Be ready. Stay ready.
Phil Dolby
Founder, Smarter Response Ltd™
Retired Police Chief Superintendent (West Midlands Police)
