In the Event of No Plan B

The Event Still Goes On!

While we may've all attended some fantastic virtual events over the past 18 months, nothing can capture the atmosphere of in-person meetings. That's why this week, it was great to be back in that environment at the Seventh Annual Executive Security and CP Technology Forum, sponsored by the Circuit Magazine where we reconnected with the our Community and met some of our newest members, readers, and listeners.

Judging by the comments on LinkedIn and the over subscribed number and maximum capacity turn out on the day, it was a huge success. Each session was eagerly anticipated and well observed. Speakers were generously applauded for their impressive contributions and as for the after-event drinks reception... well, let's say there weren't many unopened beverages left when the last people departed... something the Circuit Magazine team can fully validate!

To anyone who has never attended an industry event, doesn't get the appeal or just hasn't been able to shoehorn it into their work routine, we get it, but you simply cannot overstate how important this type of engagement is to both the industry and the individual for advancing the craft. So, we hope you can join us for the next one!

The Circuit Magazine Podcast

Some people think that protective services begins and ends with just standing next to the protectee, but today’s guest has made a very successful career from doing the exact opposite of that.

On this episode, we’re joined by Sam Alicea who manages and runs the security for multiple tours, both domestically and internationally. He talks about how the touring space is a segment of the industry that a lot of people want to get in, but they don't necessarily know how to. And of course, there are people that do get in, but they aren't doing it the right way, which opens them and the client up to a lot of exposure.

Join us as we talk to Sam to discuss:

  • What he finds most challenging about being a protector in the touring industry?

  • Managing conflicts on the team – tips/techniques/tactics?

  • And the qualities/attributes sought when hiring people in the touring space.

Tune in to this lively conversation about the field of entertainment and touring. As Sam tells us:

“It's a game really. It's a game that we're in and you've got to win the game EVERY SINGLE NIGHT.”

If you enjoy listening to the Circuit Podcast and can spare a minute, please rate/review us. Your rating will help us to rank higher making it easier for others to find the podcast.

The Need to Know

Taiwan's air force scrambled its own jets and tracked the People's Liberation Army planes on its air defence radar systems, the defence ministry said.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sent out a bulletin warning about the potential for cyberattacks launched by the Russian government. These attacks would be in response to any US involvement in a potential war in Ukraine.

Mexican reporter Lourdes Mandonado is the second journalist to be shot dead in the city of Tijuana within a week and came shortly after she settled a dispute with her former employer.

John Gaines, 74, swindled workers after winning lucrative contracts and defrauding security operatives who worked for him at construction sites at Heathrow Airport.

Stranded motorists either spent the night in cars, abandoned their vehicles to walk home, or crowded metros in a Turkish city - while soldiers in Greece handed out food, water and blankets to drivers, some of whom were stranded in their cars for more than 10 hours.

Putin's gamesmanship has exacted damaging consequences on the United States and the Biden Administration. Putin wants to assert Russia’s relevance on the world stage, embarrass Biden, and test the unity of NATO countries.

The malware spreads when users install a downloader app onto their Android device. The downloader app isn’t infected, so neither the Play Store nor your phone flags it. But the app asks for permissions, and when accepted, it installs malware.

For more timely global updates like this, get the Circuit Daily Briefing delivered to your inbox... daily! Get on the list >

From the Pages of the Circuit Magazine

In order to counter the threat of street crime we need to understand the factors behind it. Those reasons can range from factors such as social background, poverty, inequality, toxic masculinity, alcohol abuse, deprivation, limited job opportunities, and social exclusion.

Anyone operating within the security industry is at risk of being exposed to a potentially dangerous situation, it comes with the territory. However, it’s not to say that just because there is a possibility for ‘things to go pear-shaped’ that all outcomes are justifiable, many incidents could be mitigated with better planning.

In this article, graduate of sociology and psychology, Alexandru Zamfir describes his approach, as a security workforce provider, towards combating this increasing threat.

If you enjoyed this article and want more great content from across the industry then sign up for the Circuit Magazine >

Situation Report by RANE

The military takeover risks further eroding the security situation in the country’s north and triggering international sanctions that would damage its trade-reliant economy.

In a televised address on Jan. 24, members of the Burkinabe military announced they had deposed President Roch Marc Christian Kabore following heavy gunfire outside the presidential residence and reports that soldiers had detained the president at a military camp.

In addition to ousting Kabore, military authorities suspended Burkina Faso’s constitution, dissolved the government and the National Assembly, and closed the West African country’s borders.

The leader of the coup is Lt. Col. Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who presented himself in the broadcast announcement as the president of a group calling itself the "Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration." An MPSR spokesperson said the coup was necessary due to the Kabore administration’s alleged mishandling of the worsening security environment in northern Burkina Faso.

The coup — which is West Africa’s fourth in the past 18 months — also comes despite strong international pressure to maintain constitutional rule.

International bodies have have demanded that Kabore be released and called on West African leaders to handle governance challenges via constitutionally sanctioned processes.

Special Offer for On the Circuit Readers

Be the smartest person in the room with this exclusive offer from RANE.

From the Community

Those who attended were rewarded with a professionally run event in the form of the Seventh Annual Executive Security and CP Technology Forum! Representatives from the Circuit community, who turned out in great numbers showed a hunger to network, and a desire to resume business, learn and share!

Thank you to all speakers, sponsors and attendees! And of course, a special thank you to man of the moment, Phelim Rowe on another great production!

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

🇺🇸 NABA Protector >

🇬🇧 BBA Connect >

On the Circuit Merch

To any industry insider, being 'On the Circuit' means being operationally active in the world of international protection. To anyone else, it's just three words. Those who know, know!

Upcoming Events

Based on the lessons learned over a life-time of experience from multiple practitioners, this programme is designed for security and risk managers tasked with the modelling, planning and management of robust security programmes.

Elsewhere, on the Circuit...

When it comes to the human element of security, a lack of training or cybersecurity awareness, mistakes, or deliberate, malicious actions also needs to be acknowledged in managing threat detection and response.

Insider threats cost organizations approximately $15.4 million every year, with negligence a common reason for security incidents, new research suggests.

Over the past two years, insider threats have increased "dramatically," the report says, with 56% of insider-related incidents caused by a negligent employee. In total, 26% of incidents were linked to criminal inside activities, whereas 18% of threats were caused by the theft of employee credentials.

Months of sustained remote and hybrid working leading up to "The Great Resignation" has resulted in an increased risk around insider threat incidents, as people leave organizations and take data with them.

Meanwhile, did you know...

Allowable business expenses are tax-deductible. So qualifying individuals can reduce their tax liability while increasing security and peace of mind. This little-known fact is not published or discussed in any great detail online. HMRC is giving the green light to companies to spend their capital on personal security services and assets that improve personal security. The proviso is that the expenditure should be on security to meet the threats faced by employees.

Our Corporate partners at Westminster Security have put together a very informative article detailing aspects of this little known tax break and how it could provide a significant financial boost to the industry.

Until next week...

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