Unwanted Attention

And Protectors in the Public Eye

Author

Circuit Magazine
April 23, 2022

As protectors we are increasingly finding ourselves within the public eye as media interest grows in our profession. Therefore, it's worth considering the varied ways that we could find ourselves thrust into the limelight and the consequences that comes with it. In this edition of On the Circuit we consider some recent high profile incidents.

Elsewhere, we hear about Veteran-preneurship and how this mentality can be of benefit to many in the executive protection community. James Bore introduces us to the field of Cybersecurity and the basic principles that all protectors should know. And Ryan Bohl of Rane assesses whether the Ukraine war could trigger another revolution in Russia?

Let's get into it.

The Circuit Magazine Podcast

Are you prepared to fail and fail again? How can former service personnel adapt their mindset to succeed not just in the private sector but in building a business of their own?

Today's episode will resonate with a large proportion of the EP community who at one time or another have been an 'army of one'. We are very pleased to welcome Scot Walker, CEO and Founder of Walker and Associates to discuss:

  • What is special about entrepreneurship within the veteran community?

  • What do ex-service personnel have to teach the private sector about business?

  • Does coming from a hierarchical background become an impediment to working in the private sector?

  • Are there common pitfalls when selecting post-service career training?

  • Should you replicate your military or police role in the private sector as a business?

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The Need to Know

Officers responded to a report of burglary and found a man with a metal stake who they believe had smashed numerous windows at the residence.

It has been a period of intense activity for the entire global risk management sector. One report last year said that while the industry was worth $7.4bn (£5.6bn) in 2019, it is projected to reach $28.9bn by 2027. And that figure was calculated before the crisis unfolded in Ukraine in February.

A secret agreement that expands Chinese influence over Solomon Islands has now been signed. How did it come about, and what does it mean for the region?

It's claimed Pegasus spyware has been been used for various purposes, and now a fresh report indicates that the software has been installed on the network of the British Prime Minister’s Office for surveillance purposes, in what is claimed to be an activity involved with the United Arab Emirates.

Malware is simple to create and sell on the dark web. But even if the U.S. is targeted, it can easily strike back, escalating risks to dangerous levels.

An excited fan got on the stage at a Rick Ross concert. However, the bodyguard of supporting rapper, Davido quickly intervened by pushing the dancing fan off the stage. The moment was caught on film and Davido was later seen cautioning his bodyguard after the incident.

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From the Pages of the Circuit Magazine

The electronic and physical worlds are converging fast with smartphones, cars, cameras, aircraft, drones, and even houses relying more on information technology to make lives more comfortable. Information or computer security has been around for a while, but as this plays a greater role in the physical world, we now think of it simply as cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity is often seen as a niche area which requires a lot of specialist knowledge to apply. This is only partly true - What is often missed, as the technologists take over, is that cyber is still security and the same fundamental principles apply to designing and building effective protections.

In this article James Bore explains how the basic principles of cyber are simple and can be understood without the need for a deep dive and shares what we need to know as protectors.

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

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Situation Report by RANE

For now, the Russian system is well-positioned to keep the domestic front in check. But how much longer it will stay that way is less certain. 

For one, it's not clear whether Russians are prepared to fight another drawn-out Cold War with the West (especially knowing that they lost the first one), or how they would react to a potentially humiliating withdrawal from Ukraine (the battle for the eastern Donbas region looms, but after Russia's failed drive for Kyiv, no longer does the world assume Ukraine's army is outmatched). It's also uncertain how well Russia can keep its war narrative alive at home.

Ordinary Russians can and already are using things like virtual private networks to break through the Kremlin's information barrier. 

And finally, there is the looming question surrounding the long-term sustainability of Russia's current governance style, anchored as it is on the personality and politics of Vladimir Putin himself. Putin may be able to arrange a succession, possibly as soon as two years from now when his current term ends in 2024, that can manage the domestic front as well as he has. But if he can't, the vast power vacuum may leave Russia ripe for yet another revolution.

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From the Community

A protester enters the court during play in an NBA game. She then glued herself to the court. The disruptions are now an ongoing and evolving campaign. What would you do to mitigate?

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

🇺🇸 NABA Protector >

🇬🇧 BBA Connect >

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In the Public Eye

Providing protective services to the rich and famous can be a complex and demanding undertaking in it's own right, without having to worry about falling under the scrutiny of the media.

Johnny Depp's bodyguard testified on Monday about witnessing the turbulent relationship between the actor and his ex-wife Amber Heard. The bodyguard, Sean Bett, took the stand at Fairfax County Court in Virginia for a trial over Depp's lawsuit against Heard.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are being protected by a bodyguard who watched over two American presidents.

The couple at the Invictus Games in the Netherlands where they were watched over by Christopher Sanchez, a former U.S. Secret Service agent who spent five years under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Final thoughts

Antagonizing Mike Tyson might be on the top 10 list of things not to do. With that said, him loosing his cool, even while provoked, is likely going to lead to a court case. This then speaks to the value of having trained Protectors when moving around in public.

Until next week...

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