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Mitigating Digital Vulnerabilities
Is Your Morning Run a Threat to Your Client's Safety
Circuit Magazine
November 10, 2024
Welcome to On the Circuit, your trusted source for news and updates on global security and protection.
This week, our top story uncovers how the fitness app Strava exposed the locations of world leaders' bodyguards and caused quite a stir. But who is at fault, the app or the user?
We also dive into the growing debate over the U.S. Secret Service’s capacity and responsibilities following the recent Trump assassination attempt.
Elsewhere, we look at:
Germany’s efforts to strengthen political security amid rising threats.
How Donald Trump’s potential return could reshape U.S. intelligence diplomacy
The critical role of motorcycle outriders for UHNW clients.
Finally, as we mark Remembrance Sunday and Veterans Day, we honour those who have served—many of whom continue to protect the private sector today.
TOP STORY
Fitness App Strava Exposes Locations of World Leaders' Bodyguards
Bodyguards for world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, have inadvertently exposed sensitive locations by using the fitness app Strava. The app, popular among runners and cyclists, tracks users’ routes and shares them publicly. Journalists were able to trace the movements of 26 U.S. Secret Service agents, 12 French GSPR (Presidential Security Group) members, and six Russian FSO (Federal Protection Service) agents, revealing potentially compromising information about the locations of their protectees.
For instance, Le Monde identified a U.S. Secret Service agent whose jogging route on Strava disclosed the location of a hotel where Biden stayed during high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2023.
Similarly, Macron’s bodyguards unknowingly revealed his private vacation at a Normandy seaside resort in 2021, a trip not listed on his official schedule.
The investigation also uncovered that the movements of other high-profile figures like Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and even their spouses could be tracked by monitoring their bodyguards' activity on the app.
Despite these findings, both U.S. and French officials downplayed the security risks. The U.S. Secret Service stated that it does not believe protective operations were compromised but acknowledged that affected personnel had been informed, and further training or guidance might be considered. Macron’s office similarly assured that local authorities are always informed of his movements ahead of time and that security measures remain robust.
"The data could be used to establish patterns of movement or identify sensitive locations," cybersecurity experts warned, highlighting the broader risks posed by fitness apps in executive protection.
This incident serves as a critical reminder for security professionals to enforce strict digital hygiene protocols and limit the use of personal devices that could inadvertently expose sensitive information.
READER POLL
What steps should protection teams take to protect their data from apps like Strava? |
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GLOBAL SITREP
Debate Intensifies Over Secret Service's Dual Role Post-Assassination Attempt
In the aftermath of the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, an independent review panel has recommended that the U.S. Secret Service concentrate solely on its protective duties, potentially relinquishing its investigative roles in financial and cyber crimes.
The panel's report suggests that the agency's dual responsibilities may dilute its effectiveness in safeguarding high-profile political figures. This proposal has ignited debate within the security community.
Gordon Heddell, a former Department of Defense inspector general and longtime Secret Service official, cautioned that narrowing the agency's role "will change the caliber, or the quality, of the new recruits because it will appeal to a different kind of person." He added, "And it will not be a better person. It will not be a well-rounded person."
As the agency deliberates these recommendations, the broader security industry is closely monitoring the potential implications for protective operations and resource allocation.
Germany Bolsters Political Security Amid Rising Threats
In response to escalating threats, Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) plans to significantly bolster its protection for high-profile politicians.
Currently, the BKA employs over 500 bodyguards and intends to add 100 in the coming year, with another 100 to follow. BKA President Holger Münch stated, "This has to do not just with growing dangers at home but also abroad, for example with the Ukraine or Gaza wars."
This development echoes the increasing global demand for skilled security professionals experienced in dealing with complex threat environments. It’s being viewed as a proactive approach to safeguarding political figures in an increasingly volatile environment.
Deeper training and increased adaptability in protective intelligence will be beneficial for security professionals looking to meet the increasing demand.
READER SPECIAL OFFER
GEOPOLITICAL ANALYSIS by RANE
How Donald Trump’s Return Could Reshape U.S. Intelligence Diplomacy
Following Donald Trump's recent election victory, his administration is expected to bring significant policy shifts, including in foreign relations.
A key question is whether Trump will continue the "intelligence diplomacy" strategy that President Biden used extensively. This approach involves declassifying intelligence to achieve foreign policy goals, such as exposing Russia’s plans in Ukraine or countering disinformation from adversaries like China and Iran.
While intelligence diplomacy has proven effective in shaping global narratives and building trust in U.S. intelligence, it carries risks. Revealing too much can compromise sources and methods, and there’s always the danger of releasing inaccurate information, as seen before the Iraq War. Additionally, involving intelligence officials in diplomatic roles could undermine traditional diplomacy and politicize intelligence agencies.
With Trump's history of appointing ideological loyalists and his casual attitude toward classified information, there are concerns that intelligence diplomacy could become more politicized under his leadership.
Instead of focusing on foreign adversaries, Trump might use strategic declassification to further domestic political goals. For example, his administration might release intelligence on Mexican drug cartels to support anti-immigration policies rather than focusing on adversaries like Russia, raising new challenges for U.S. intelligence agencies.
SNAPSHOTS
🇮🇱 Trump's Election Boosts Israel's Far-Right Ambitions—Netanyahu hails 'historic comeback'; Ben-Gvir urges West Bank annexation and Gaza settlements.
🇨🇦 Canada Orders TikTok to Close Offices Over Security Concerns—App remains accessible; TikTok plans legal challenge.
🇩🇪 Germany Arrests Far-Right Group Planning Coup—Eight 'Saxonian Separatists' detained; accused of plotting to seize eastern regions.
🇲🇿 Mozambique Opposition Leader Survives Assassination Attempt in South Africa—Venancio Mondlane escapes attack after disputing election results.
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
Motorcycle Outriders for UHNW Clients | Sebastien Bouchard
Suppose your client is driving a Bugatti Veyron around the streets of London. How can you, as a protector, deter threats, protect them from attacks and accidents, and provide a nimble safety blanket that can keep pace with a supercar?
Welcome to the world of motorcycle outriders. In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Sebastien Bouchard, Founder of 242 Security UK Ltd and 242 MSU to the podcast to ask:
How can motorcycle outriders help and what threats are they designed to counter?
What type of licensing and insurance is required in this field?
Should every EP operator learn mobile security skills?
What role do outriders have beyond security and into the field of concierge services?
Could mobile security units ever be covert?
PREVIOUS POLL - RESULTS
Q: Which of the six operating principles are most impactful for your career, and why?
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Humble Ego (42%)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Solving Problems at the Lowest Level(9%)
🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Building Strong Relationships (25%)
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Cultivating Positive Passion (16%)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Expressing Appreciation (8%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Know Thyself (0)
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