Dear Reader,

We're rounding out another week with the world opening up more and more. This could mean the butt imprints on our sofas start to fade and we might find ourselves in going-out pants with actual zippers again!

This week On the Circuit, we're identifying and combatting vulnerabilities at every level of the operation. Jenny Radcliffe, the Human Hacker, is helping us stay free of manipulation by keeping unwanted people out of our email... and out of our heads!

We're reducing operational risk through better employee screening with the help of the Judgment Index. And we're asking whether Super-Fans are just a super nuisance or a much greater threat? Meanwhile, Gavin de Becker wants to keep our mind focused on the task and eliminate one of the greatest threats to the client - the wandering mind of a distracted protector.

And so, dear friends, before we cut the ribbon and launch into the weekend, take these wise words of caution with you:

On the Circuit has you covered when you are busy covering others.

What's New?

The Circuit Magazine Podcast, Episode 15

The Human Hacker: People Manipulation in Cyber | Jenny Radcliffe — podcast.circuit-magazine.com

When we think of a “hacker” we have an image of someone behind a computer wearing a black hoodie. But today’s guest, Jenny Radcliffe, is here to expand the definition of a hacker to include human hacking or social engineering.

According to Jenny, every human can be hacked. In fact, 95% of cyber-attacks are human-based or exploit some kind of human error or manipulation. And Jenny would know since she has been doing social engineering and physical infiltration for her whole life.

As a human hacker or social engineer, Jenny shares her knowledge and expertise on how to avoid people manipulation through human hacking, including:

• How to know if you or your Principal is being manipulated? What are the four red flags you need to be aware of?

• How to identify a genuine human factor expert from someone who is just faking it? What skill sets should you look out for?

• What are the social cues to spot when you may be a victim of phishing or any form of manipulation? And what countermeasures should you implement?

• What is the human hacker’s best disguise to avoid detection when penetration testing? You’ll be surprised to hear her answer to this!

From the Pages of the Circuit Magazine

We are all focused on screening for and identifying threats to the client, but what other areas are at risk? In the articles below, we're looking at the vulnerabilities to yourself, your principal, and the operation.

Judgment Index - Predicting Performance and Risk — circuit-magazine.com

The Judgment Index is a value-based analysis of judgment capacity, behaviour and stability. It is an abstract in its methodology, yet highly accurate. In this feature, Rob Coulthard explains how we can reduce operational risk with better employee screening at the point of hiring by using the Judgment Index.

How To Stay Present On Task — circuit-magazine.com

To be lost in thought on task is to be vulnerable. A vulnerable protector put the client at greater risk. In this feature, Gavin de Becker answers the big question of how to stay in the present moment while on task.

When a protector is lost in thought he is literally lost to the present moment. To be there in space is one thing, but to be there in time is the main thing. To be present means to be pre-sent, to already be there when it happens.

Stalkers and Super Fans - When Does Being A Fan Go Too Far? — circuit-magazine.com

In this article, Jason Poston outlines the threat of a fixated individual to our clients.

Super-fan: A fan that develops an unhealthy obsession with a celebrity or other public figure. While “super fans” are not automatically considered a threat, the potential certainly exists.

Stalking: A pattern of behavior by one person against another, which is ultimately intended to cause harassment or to intimidate or terrorize the victim. This can also include cyber-stalking and even cyber-bullying

Industry News

A selection of the top stories affecting our industry - pulled from the Circuit Daily Briefing.

Top military official warns China and Russia are modernizing nuclear weapons faster than US — www.cnn.com

The top US military official who runs the American nuclear arsenal warned that China and Russia are modernizing their nuclear weapons and capabilities faster than the US, saying during a congressional hearing

From the Forever Wars to the Hypersonic Wars — www.thenation.com

We are entering a new era of military competition with Russia and China that could easily result in short but very intense and destructive conflicts—call them “hypersonic wars.”

IT and Cybersecurity Teams Are Getting Burnt Out – Here's What Can Be Done — mytechdecisions.com

Nation-state hacking and the usual barrage of phishing attacks and ransomware are causing IT burnout, but hope is not lost.

Hong Kong woman, 90, conned out of $32m in phone scam

The elderly millionaire fell prey to con artists posing as Chinese security officials who told her she was the victim of identity fraud

Hackers exploit unpatched bugs to attack governments, contractors — www.scmagazine.com

The episode underscores how state hacking groups routinely pair new exploits with older, unpatched vulnerabilities to compromise victims.

BBA/NABA Community Highlights

Ask questions, get advice, and find industry resources from an active and thriving community of professional, working operators.

What Would You Do?

Your Client's son has made it pretty clear that he does not like you, and is sabotaging things to make you look bad. While doing a parameter check of the estate you notice a sizable quantity of perception painkillers, classified as controlled narcotics, tucked in the bushes. You know that revealing this information to the Protectee will cast light on the son as the culprit however it will also be obvious that you were the informer. What actions, if any, do you take?

Join the discussion in the NABA Protector app.

What Makes a Good Team Leader?

Throughout our careers we have all come across both good and bad examples of Team Leaders. What qualities do you hope to see in a good team leader? What positive takeaways have you learned from those you have worked under or from carrying out the role yourself?

Share your experiences in the BBA Connect app.

Member Spotlight

Please join me in welcoming onboard our newest corporate member, Tactical Systems. We're delighted to welcome back CEO, Yoni Cohen who was an influential and early member of the BBA, many years ago!

Tactical Systems — www.tacs-sys.com

Tactical Systems is a leading industry training provider based in France and operating worldwide, conducting training in many varied destinations.

Courses are conducted in English or French depending on client/trainee requests. Training courses offered include: HUMINT, OSINT, Security Driving, Close Protection and various firearms courses.

Until next week...

That's it for another edition of On the Circuit. And remember in life when one door closes another door always opens... unless your in prison then probably not.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Jon

Managing Editor