Jim was looking for ways to make Acme’s production process more efficient. He ran a search on the Internet for their new process, and he also wanted to see if their competitors had figured it out yet. One of the search hits was an image, and it looked like there was a TX1000 machine in the background. He took a …
The Cost of Security
The former director of a North Carolina Central University program designed to help minority students used an unauthorized bank account to divert more than $1 million from the program over six years, according to a state audit (WRAL News Story). What can we learn from this story? It’s usually easier and cheaper for companies and organizations to be proactive rather …
Emergencies and Visitors
John looked out across the lobby at the growing crowd. Mondays were always busy, but the crowd seemed larger than usual today. Because of the storms on the horizon, no one was waiting on the front sidewalk. His phone buzzed, and he saw a notification from his weather app. At the same time, he heard a warning from the …
Business Continuity Planning and the Protection of the Supply Chain
As security consultants, we have the privilege of working for multiple companies and agencies around the globe, which gives us deeper insight into how businesses typically view, plan, and prepare for the unexpected. Too often, however, it seems we are brought into the security process in a remedial role, after an unforeseen and unprepared for event. In the current economy, …
Life Happens…Things Change
John hired Cindy as a part-time receptionist for Acme, Inc. several years ago while she was still attending college. Acme has a policy that requires a pre-employment background investigation for candidates prior to extending an offer of employment. As part of the procedure, managers ask candidates to complete an application in addition to providing their resume. On the application, the …
Products for Sale
An employee comes to you and tells you that her uncle bought some of your company’s products at a very good price. The employee asks how he could make the purchase at less than the employee discount. That afternoon, you receive a call from the local police department. They report that some of your company’s products have been spotted at …
Traveling Technology
While traveling on company business, Bob uses a laptop containing company information. When he returned after his last visit, his laptop could not be found. He remembers using it in the airport, but he does not know where the laptop is now. What would you do?
Be Prepared to Stand Alone: Planning for Weather Related Emergencies
No one can control the weather, and weather can only be predicted accurately for a day or so into the future. With regard to specific locations, severe weather that can create extreme conditions and pose threats to life and property can only be predicted a few hours or a few minutes in advance. Within this parameter, weather emergencies may occur …
Preparing for the Ordinary Means Protection for the Extraordinary
Although this article was originally written for electrical utilities, the concepts apply to other companies and organizations. Darren Nix of Risk Management Associates authored this article originally published in Security Products Magazine. Increased security at Electrical Utility companies for the prevention of ordinary events also provides protection for the extraordinary events. There has been a tremendous focus on protecting our …
Preparing for a Pandemic
When planning for a pandemic, masks and gloves are the last thing you need. When considering a response to a pandemic, most employers immediately think of personal protective equipment (PPE), which are less effective measures used to protect employees and the public. Work practice, engineering controls, and administrative controls are far more effective but generally take more advanced time and …