Results
Our insights - Blogs
Safeguard Your Season
From crowded airports to busy train stations to impacted highways, holiday travel can be challenging, even when it’s not in the middle of a worldwide pandemic.
Our insights - Blogs
Holiday Travel Safety Tips for Corporate Executives
Are you traveling during the holidays this year? You won’t be alone. In the US, more than 27 million people will travel during Thanksgiving. Read more to learn how to keep up situational awareness and maintain safety and security during your travels.
Our insights - Blogs
Lessons Learned From 2020: CEO Takeaways
The daunting and tragically historic challenges of 2020 left many companies and high-level decision-makers facing extraordinarily difficult circumstances and equally difficult decisions. But today, with vaccines rolling out and the end of the pandemic finally seeming more like a realistic goal, it’s critically important that CEOs absorb and apply the lessons they learned from 2020.
Our insights - Blogs
The Evolution of Security in a Post-9/11 Landscape
As we approach the somber anniversary of September 11th 2001, it’s only natural to assess what has changed through the lens of that tragic morning, and to think about how we are doing as a country when it comes to enhancing security at the government and private/corporate level, nearly two decades after the 9/11 attack.
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How Security is Shifting To Address New Threats
With civil, social, and economic tensions high in the face of the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, unrest and uncertainty are increasingly unavoidable. Across the nation and around the world, security organizations and professionals are facing a landscape of evolving and emerging threats that is redefining the nature of their work. From new threats to new security practices and priorities, the role of private security is changing faster than ever. Understanding the nature of those changes — and appreciating how they might impact both security agencies and their clients — is a critical first step in staying ahead of the curve at a time when falling behind could have profound and lasting consequences.
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Lessons Learned From Thermal Imaging Technologies
As quarantines and government-mandated shutdowns begin to phase out, brands and businesses continue to work to determine the safest way to reopen in a COVID-altered landscape. One particular technology in consideration to help address operational security challenges (and possible regulatory constraints) are thermal imaging camera systems that purport to be able to scan for fevers.
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Can Workplace Violence Be Anticipated?
Workplace violence is typically defined as an act or threat of physical violence, intimidation, or other threatening behavior that takes place in the nexus of a work environment. It can take many forms – from overt acts of violence to more “hidden” incidents like bullying or sexual harassment – but companies that take steps to understand how and why these incidents occur may begin to identify their vulnerabilities and develop comprehensive mitigation plans. These plans can help to reduce both the risk and the impact to employees, customers, and assets.
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Infographic | Mass Shootings in the US: Patterns and Traits
Another factor that many perpetrators share is copycat phenomenon in which the attacker is motivated to emulate other publicized shooting incidents. The 1999 Columbine High School shooting plays a particularly unique role in this, having been the first school shooting where the perpetrators wrote manifestos that were then circulated on the Internet. Its believed that due to this, several shooters in the early 2000s cited Columbine as their inspiration.
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What Can the Healthcare Sector Teach Other Industries About Data Security?
Healthcare organizations are all too familiar with data breaches, which have been rapidly increasing in the sector for the past ten years. According to HIPPA Journal, healthcare data breaches are now reported at a rate of at least once a day. This is hardly surprising, given the increasing sophistication of attacks, the proliferation of 5G and connected devices, and the high value of healthcare data on the black market. Personal medical records can sell for hundreds – sometimes thousands – of dollars on the black market, making them highly enticing for hackers.
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Pinkerton Analysis | School Shootings in America
Pinkerton analyzed school shooting data from 1970 to the present. Our findings determined that 95% of shootings were not premeditated and increasingly, they are taking place outside school buildings.
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Cybercrime Risks: Then and Now
Today’s cybercrime risk environment is unlike anything we’ve witnessed before. No longer are we dealing with lone wolf individuals “just playing around” [think: War Games, the 1983 movie]. Today’s technology crimes involve highly developed, complex, and effective hacking software – including ‘spy tools’ that have slipped into the wild.
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From the Other Side: Pinkerton Vice Chairman Looks at Security From His New Role
Pinkerton Vice Chairman Tim Williams spent several decades leading security efforts for some of the most well-known Fortune 500 brands. In a recent podcast, he provided insight into what he sees now as he looks at risk management from the other side of the table.
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3 Corporate Risk Mitigation Tactics You Aren’t Implementing — but Should Be — In 2019
With a new year underway, now is an excellent time to take a step back and look at some of the critical gaps in your approach to risk management and risk mitigation. Here are three of the most common corporate risk mitigation tactics that CSOs and Directors of Security may not be currently practicing—but definitely should be adopting—in 2019:
Our insights - Blogs
Pinkerton President Looks to the Future of Risk Management
For risk management professionals, looking ahead is an essential part of the job description. And as we embark into 2019 and consider what risk management trends and new developments could have a big impact going forward, it is actually helpful to start by looking back.
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Safeguard the Season: Safety Tips and Holiday Travel Best Practices
Holiday travel can be challenging. From long lines and crowded airports to busy highways, it can test your patience and up your stress level.
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What Security Implications Can a Truck Driver Shortage Cause?
It’s one of the frustrating ironies of a strong and increasingly interconnected global marketplace: growing demand for transportation and logistics services has outpaced the supply of capable and experienced truck drivers.
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Active Shooter Training and Workplace Violence Posts
This month, Pinkerton hosted an Active Shooter and Workplace Violence preparedness training session in Florida. Pinkerton is committed to playing an active role to increase security awareness and preparedness in our communities. The training focused on giving attendees the skills necessary so they can mitigate the risks involved with these types of incidents.
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How Mexican Cartels Impact Supply Chain Risk Mitigation
Mexico can be a dangerous place these days. You don’t have to look far for evidence. Nearly every day in our Daily Insights Intelligence Briefor our weeklyInsights Podcast, we report crimes occurring in Mexico. In 2017 the Mexican government reported a record number of homicides. And while numerous factors have contributed to CNN and others calling Mexico “one of the most dangerous places on earth,” Pinkerton’s Managing Director Kurt Norrigan says the largest among them is the territorial battles cartels are waging to gain control of illegal businesses. “The cartel wars are impacting companies that are trying to expand or maintain businesses in Mexico,” he says. “Companies have to understand what the business climate is there and where their operations are vulnerable before they make decisions.”
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Why Embedded Security Provides a Different Level of Protection
Some companies have the time and resources to create extremely competent security teams that understand their company, the mounting threats being presented in our increasingly connected world and methods to mitigate these risks. But many companies simply don’t have the necessary amount of time or resources. Despite their best efforts, building an international, national or even regional security team is no easy task. But with the use of embedded security, companies can achieve a different level of protection almost overnight. In 2012, Pinkerton introduced the Pinkerton Dedicated Professional (PDP) service to address this very problem. And as our Vice President James McClain explains, the demand for the PDP service has been growing rapidly ever since.
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Understanding the Risks of the Dark Web
The Dark Web. It’s a term some are familiar with, but far more are not. Yet its effect on business is being felt internationally, even as recently as this month with the WannaCry ransomware attack on hospitals throughout the world, which we analyzed in a special Insights Report on ransomware. Perhaps you remember the hype about Bitcoin many years ago and how that internet payment system was going to change everything. Think it died off? Think again…it has become the main currency of the Dark Web and ransomware. If you are confused by all of this, you are not alone. According to Pinkerton Vice President Stephen Ward, “So many companies we work with have little or no idea what the Dark Web is…but they should. The impact it is having on business is widespread and companies have been slow to shore up vulnerabilities, leaving themselves exposed to major business disruptions.”
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The Role of Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) in Company Security
Technical surveillance is widely thought of as the stuff of spy novels and James Bond movies. Listening devices are cleverly concealed in a shoe or a lamp, video cameras hidden behind a mirror or in a lapel pin. And while that’s thrilling to the popcorn-eating crowd, companies and governments know that security breaches caused by technical surveillance can be devastating to an operation. Pinkertons Scott Spencer and Steve Ringhofer provide their insight regarding a hot trend in security right now: Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM).
Our insights - Blogs
Top 2016 Security Threat Blog Posts Round-Up
As an international security company, Pinkerton relies heavily on data-based intelligence to protect clients and their employees. As we look back at the top security issues in 2016, we thought it would be interesting to determine what you, our blog readers, found most compelling during the year based on analytics data collected from our blog. This post highlights the most popular Pinkerton security blog posts from the past year, listed by category using our Risk Wheel quadrants.
Our insights - Blogs
2017 Security Industry Outlook
“It’s been a year where many people and businesses realized how connected the world is and how things that happen on foreign soil can have an impact back home.” That’s the overall impression Pinkerton President Jack Zahran has about 2016. In this post, we talk with Zahran about the past year, what surprised him and how things look for the security industry in 2017.
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Tips for Common Event Planning Security Issues
While the Summer Olympics have just concluded, much was made of event security issues in Rio prior to the Games. Other large events are on the horizon too, such as Major League Baseball’s World Series and the National Football League’s Super Bowl. Non-sporting events such as the Toronto Film Festival and The Academy Awards will take place soon, too.
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With Conflict Comes Risk
Just about any international business is going to face risks associated with regions experiencing conflict, political strife or war. As we will explain below, nation-state conflicts are, unfortunately, a reality that has no foreseeable end. And while trying to avoid those regions may seem like the prudent tact to take, for many companies it is not possible nor is it a good business decision. Companies have to mitigate the risks associated with conflict regions, and the key to that is information that becomes intelligence.
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Water and Security: Flooding & Business Continuity
This is the second in Pinkerton’s Water and Security Series, begun during Earth Month (April 2016), looking at how water affects business security and continuity.
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Tech Companies Rally Behind Apple in Encryption Debate
More than a dozen U.S. based tech firms filed legal briefs in support of Apple’s case against the U.S. Government over device security. Apple has been resisting demands from the Federal Bureau of Investigation to unlock the iPhone of San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook. The amicus brief received by U.S. District Judge Sheri Pym in Riverside, California, argued that the 1789 All Writs Act cannot be used to force companies to create new technology. Additionally, the tech companies argue that Congress passed laws that govern what companies are compelled to do in support of government investigation, and the FBI orders are an “end run” around those laws. Families of the victims of the December 2015 terrorist attack filed their own amicus brief opposing the case made by the companies. The tech community that is expressing support for Apple’s stance against the US Government includes some of the biggest corporate rivals. While at first there was some hesitancy to become involved – or perhaps a desire to view the initial trajectory of the confrontation - Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Ebay, Twitter, Airbnb, & Reddit are among the group that has now become proactive. In the amicus briefs filed, the language is crystal clear and harshly criticizes the intent and actions of the FBI. These giant corporations are no longer concerned about any negative public perception. On the contrary, their alignment together will create a positive solidarity in the tech industry, and one which is likely to capture the attention of the public with a strong display of a line in the sand against government action that compromises confidentiality and privacy of the end user.
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Guard Force Management — Focus and Responsibilities
Protecting the security of an organization is a crucial element in the functionality and sustainability of a business. Typically, that responsibility falls to a company’s contracted guard force. Critical to their success is having a central command leader who can oversee the operation and manage resources when threats arise. Who to put in that position is a question CSOs and others grapple with often. Many companies employ a third-party Guard Force Manager for this role and there are several benefits to doing so.
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Updated — Smart Toy Hacks Raise Industry Concerns
(Update adds recent Google action regarding the removal of malicious apps from its Google Play Store) Security researcher Chris Vickery on December 19, 2015 claimed to discover a leaked database of more than 3.3 million user accounts of Sanriotown.com, and other Sanrio-owned websites like hellokitty.com and mymelody.com. Sanrio is the Tokyo-based owner of the Hello Kitty toy and accessories franchise, and its customers include both children and adults. The incident is similar to a November 2015 hack against servers linked to Hong Kong-based electronic toy maker VTech; one of the largest data breaches recorded against a toy company. VTech admitted on November 14 there was “unauthorized access” to its database server that stored information from its Learning Lodge app. Details of more than 10 million customer accounts worldwide – including 6.3 million child user profiles – were affected by the data breach. In both cases, the compromised details included customer names, email addresses, passwords, IP addresses, mailing addresses, and download histories. It is unclear if any financial records were also stolen. At least one person has reportedly been detained in connection with the VTech hack by authorities in the United Kingdom. In the VTech case, an unidentified hacker claimed in an interview that pictures of children were stolen using the devices’ cameras. However, this has not yet been confirmed. At least two U.S. state governments have launched a probe into the incident, along with authorities in Hong Kong. This serves as a reminder of some of the serious challenges posed by smart toys, and other children’s devices that are connected to the internet and susceptible to hacking.
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Cloud Storage: Where Does It Go?
Data takes up space, and it needs a retrievable system to manage it. Storage, backup, disaster recovery and archiving are all elements that are essential to most organizations. There are currently choices available for maintaining your data storage; you can keep it in-house, or have it live on a cloud. Technological advances have enabled everything to exist outside of the infrastructure boundaries of your company. Cloud service providers can do it all for you, creating an agile and dynamic customizable solution to fit your needs. There are naturally some concerns that occur whenever something of value leaves the premises. To decide on the best approach for your organization, it is wise to dive a little deeper into the layers of cloud storage, from concept to lock down. We will go there in this article.
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Identity, Credentials, and Access Management
Every organization should have a security strategy which facilitates common processes for controlling access of individuals. A strategy which ensures facilities remain secure and also enables a positive user experience when moving from one location to another. It is a functional balance. The users with proper credentials should be able to gain their level of appropriate access without feeling encumbered or restricted by the process, yet the access management system never should spark or propagate a nonchalant cultural attitude within the organization.
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Drones: The Good, the Bad and the Unknown
A truck can be a great thing – an incredible machine to expedite the transportation of goods across the nation’s roads, delivering shipments of food, construction materials, clothing and other necessities day and night to any location; all positive uses. However, in the hands of someone with malicious intent, a truck can be a weapon wired with hidden remote-controlled explosives, or can be driven into a crowd of innocent pedestrians. Much like any technological invention – whether it be a computer system, a gun, or a 3D printer – there are both good and potentially bad possibilities and concerns. Drones are no different. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have amazing capabilities, and will have positive value to us as we move into the future. However, drone flights also raise many issues that need to be addressed in the areas of public safety, privacy and civil liberties. Where are we now – and where are we going?
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Security Without Product Pushing
Security measures for companies, organizations and institutions are generally divided into components that comprise the bigger picture. An initial risk assessment addresses the Physical, the Technological and the Organizational aspects related to your protection.
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Top Security Threats Survey Roundtable
As a security professional, you’re always on the lookout for insight on emerging security trends and for strategies to identify and control risk.A recent Top Security Threats Survey published by Securitas USA identifies and ranks the top threats and management issues facing corporate America. Please download as a reference companion to this article. Here, Pinkerton experts discuss the survey results, and share their insights on the topic, including emerging trends, the ever-changing risk landscape and how the top threats are interconnected. The overall feeling is that companies should be thinking more holistically as the world becomes increasingly connected._
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GPS Tracking of Individuals
GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking of individuals is best incorporated within a comprehensive security strategy which includes standard protective elements. An intelligence unit can generate a threat brief for the area of operation, monitor news, social media and other indicators, compile all information and data into a dashboard, and couple this with a GPS indicator. As a result, operations will know where threats AND people are. This is the information age and information is extremely powerful, having the ability to quickly disrupt social, cultural, and political states. The level of ability to harness this information makes you either more effective or more vulnerable. For personnel tracking, there are security services that offer protective info based on projected destinations following initially generated travel itineraries and other identifiers, but adding GPS takes out the ‘guess work’, and provides definitive knowledge and targeted alerts based on where the person actually is at any given moment.
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Campus Security Overview — Past and Present
Let’s rewind 20 years in school campus security, for both primary and secondary institutions. Some things remain the same – but overall there have been substantial changes. Going two decades back, schools had intrusion systems, and especially at the grade school level, were not very much different than today. The objective was to protect schools from simple crime, most of it anticipated to be of the petty crime category such as theft and vandalism. Occasionally, there were isolated threats involving student arguments and aggressive behaviors. In general, the security system was turned on at the end of the school day, and the building locked up. Some degree of patrolling was incorporated, intrusion alarms, law enforcement patrols, and perhaps a night watchman.
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Protection for Race Horses, Expensive Pets, and Prized Possessions
The protection of individuals, companies and all their physical and intellectual properties are central to the offerings of professional protective service organizations. From there, one can drill down deeper. Possessions today can have extremely large monetary values, and are often irreplaceable. Animals in particular are unique in their worldly presence and emotional connection to their owners. Unfortunately, thoroughbred race horses and expensive pets can also - in some circumstances - become targets for theft and tampering. This is an area in which many security services do not offer comprehensive protection, and thus finding the right solution for these particular needs can be difficult.
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Mexico Protests Due to Impact Security, Businesses, and Government
On September 26, 2014, 43 students from a teacher’s college went missing in Iguala, Guerrero, Mexico. The mass kidnapping and subsequent massacre of the students are most likely the largest and most difficult political and public security issue Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto has faced during his administration. The handling of the kidnapping and investigation spotlighted the horrific level of corruption and dismal security situation in Mexico, which has led to International condemnation.
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Increased Cyber Security Mandated by Comprehensive New Legislation
The Dutch Wet bescherming persoonsgegevens (Wbp) is also referred to as the Dutch Data Protection Act. It has been in effect since September 1st, 2001, and it impacts European guidelines on personal data privacy. A new legal obligation component of this act is going into effect very soon, and if your company or organization acquires and maintains security of personal information it will greatly affect your process and resources as we move into the future. The new update will also impose stringent costly penalties for non-compliance. Regarding the impact on the consumer – and data storage in general - it is a positive direction.
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Technical Surveillance Countermeasures to Prevent Corporate Espionage
You’re at an important company board meeting discussing a top secret product development project. If this unique product idea gets leaked to your competitors, the consequences could be dire. The key stakeholders are in the conference room or participating via conference call. The meeting goes well and later you find out your competitor has beat you to market with the same product idea. How could this have happened? Your business or organization could be the victim of corporate espionage. Someone could be collecting competitive intelligence through unethical means, such as listening devices, video surveillance, or even something as basic as rummaging through your trash. Whether the threat comes from bugging devices at a one-time event, or ongoing surveillance at your corporate site, make sure you are aware of surveillance techniques, find the threats, determine who is behind the intelligence gathering and put systems in place to prevent future breaches.
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Museum Security: Preserving the Art Experience
Art theft is, unfortunately, a big business. There is so much of it, even just here in the United States, that the FBI has created the National Stolen Art File, an online resource for reporting, and possibly finding, stolen art. Protect the art but do not ruin the art experience. Museums around the world are tasked with this rather complex responsibility. Protection is essential, but, how do you protect the priceless? The answer is not so simple. Each museum has its own security limitations that are influenced, most often, by the museum’s location, budget, and artworks or objects themselves. Regardless, security is an essential part of every museum. Understanding how to assess threats can be the tricky part because security should not be distracting. Instead, security should integrate seamlessly with the flow of the museum; security must preserve the art experience.
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Getting the Most From Your Security Agency
“Why should I consider bringing an outside security team into my organization?” We get this question a lot. Most companies we talk with know that they have a skilled security team that handles issues with great professionalism. However, there are issues companies and organizations face to which, though they recognize them, they are ill-prepared to respond. Beyond that, there are unknown issues that can present a major problem for the future. It is within these two areas that partnering with an external agency can provide added value, perspective and expertise.
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Holistic Security: The Risk Wheel
Threats to your business are not just local any more. The way we connect ourselves and our businesses through information sharing, the accessibility we enjoy through mobile technology and the ease by which people, products and information moves across borders creates vulnerability. International events in far off countries can affect a farming business in the U.S. Unrest in one community, region or nation can create downtime for thousands of businesses, which in turn affects the businesses/customers they serve.
Reports
Top Security Threats and Management Issues — 2014
Learn about the pressing security threats & management issues of 2014.
Reports
India’s Internal Security Landscape — Emerging Challenges and Opportunities
Learn about the opportunities and challenges in India’s Internal Security landscape.
Reports
Top Security Threats and Management Issues 2012
Securitas USA surveyed a wide range of security managers and directors, facilities managers and others responsible for the safety and security of corporate America’s people, property, and information from Fortune 1000 companies. The objective was to identify emerging trends related to perceived security threats, management issues, and operational issues.
Reports
Risk Mitigation and Workplace Violence Prevention
Learn how to properly plan ahead for potential risks and security threats at your workplace.
Reports
Unruly Crowds | The “Equal Opportunity” Security Threat
How to plan ahead with crowd control protocols.
Reports
Reading Tomorrow's Security Landscape
Learn about the latest emerging security trends and how to control risk.
Reports
How Are You Evaluating Your Security Program?
Learn how to develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for your business.
Comprehensive Solutions
Global Security Operations Centers
Pinkerton's innovative approach to intelligence-led GSOC Fusion Centers is based on our comprehensive approach to risk management.