In December 2024 a prominent CEO was shot and killed outside of a Manhattan hotel where they were attending an investor meeting. The incident has drawn significant public attention, with speculation surrounding both the suspect’s motives and the broader implications for corporate security, given ongoing controversies and protests against the company at the time of the attack.
The best way to protect your company and your executive assets from this risk is developing a comprehensive executive protection and secure journey management plan.An intelligence led approach can limit your risk exposure and enhance your executive protection in a variety of ways.
– Adam DeLuca, Everbridge Director of Risk Intelligence
Monitoring
Early detection of threat and risk is invaluable to executive protection. Monitoring collection platforms in real-time allows you to identify potential threats before they become major problems and enables executive protection teams to proactively manage risk to their clients in a timely manner.
Utilizing Different Types of intelligence
OSINT gathers information from publicly available sources. Human intelligence collects information obtained through direct contact with individuals who may have relevant insights. Signal intelligence monitors electronic communications and data to identify potential threats. Protective intelligence focuses specifically on identifying and assessing threats to an individual. These types of intelligence analyze incredible amounts of data from various sources to provide a comprehensive picture of the threat landscape to help shape risk assessments.
Trend Analysis / Threat Assessments
Looking at the threat landscape and doing comprehensive threat assessments allows security teams to anticipate potential risks and vulnerabilities, develop targeted mitigation strategies, and make informed decisions to safeguard the principal through detailed situational awareness, rather than simply reacting to incidents.
Situational awareness
By monitoring real-time information, intelligence provides a comprehensive understanding of the environment surrounding the executive, including potential dangers in specific locations or during travel.
Comprehensive City and Country Reports
Key highlights & helpful hints
Threats and risks present differently in different parts of the world. Having a comprehensive understanding of the threat landscape in certain areas – to include data driven crime maps, no-go zones, travel and cultural guidance, and risk assessments – allows executive protection teams to address the applicable risks from country to country.
Our comprehensive risk management services are designed to enable businesses to operate safe in the knowledge that everything possible is being done to ensure their people and other assets are protected. We combine deep security expertise with innovative technology to help you deliver the policies, training, protection and responses needed – no matter what.
In the face of an active assailant threat, Everbridge provides real-time alerts powered by sophisticated risk intelligence systems. This checklist offers a collection of strategic steps designed to enhance an organization’s readiness to face potential active assailant threats. By implementing these strategies, organizations can not only create safer environments but also build confidence in their prevention and preparedness frameworks, ensuring everyone is equipped to respond effectively in the event of an incident.
In the face of potential active assailant threats, organizations are increasingly turning to technology to bolster their preparedness and response capabilities. The integration of technological solutions is proving to be a game-changer, particularly in improving communication and ensuring timely responses during incidents. As businesses seek to protect their people and assets, understanding the role of technology in enhancing active assailant preparedness has become essential.
The power of real-time communication
One of the primary advantages of leveraging technology in active assailant preparedness is the ability to facilitate real-time communication. During an incident, every second counts, and the ability to disseminate information swiftly can be the difference between safety and chaos. Technology solutions, such as mass notification systems, mobile alerts, and integrated communication platforms, enable organizations to send immediate alerts and updates to all affected individuals, regardless of their location.
Types of technology systems being deployed
Organizations are deploying a range of technology systems to enhance their active assailant preparedness. These include:
- Mass notification systems: these systems allow for the rapid dissemination of alerts and instructions to employees via multiple channels, including text messages, emails, and mobile apps.
- Emergency communications platforms: such platforms provide a centralized hub for coordinating and managing communications during an incident, ensuring that all stakeholders receive consistent and accurate information.
- Surveillance and monitoring tools: advanced surveillance systems equipped with AI capabilities can detect unusual activities and trigger alerts, enabling a swift response to potential threats.
- Access control systems: these systems enhance security by regulating entry and exit points, allowing for quick lockdowns and controlled evacuations.
Benefits of real-time alerts
The implementation of real-time alert systems offers several benefits:
- Increased situational awareness: real-time alerts ensure that employees are immediately aware of an ongoing situation, allowing them to take appropriate actions to ensure their safety.
- Coordinated response: With instant communication, response teams can coordinate their efforts more effectively, streamlining decision-making and response strategies.
- Reduced panic and confusion: Timely and clear communication reduces panic among employees, providing them with the guidance needed to remain calm and follow established protocols.
Challenges and solutions
Despite the clear advantages, organizations face challenges in implementing and maintaining these technology solutions. Communication issues remain a top concern, with security professionals identifying real-time updates, sending alerts, and making quick decisions as key hurdles during active assailant incidents. However, nearly 70% of security professionals have already deployed technology solutions to address these challenges, indicating a growing recognition of the importance of technological integration.
Next steps
As organizations navigate the complexities of active assailant preparedness, technology stands out as a vital component in enhancing their capabilities. Everbridge has partnered with ASIS to survey around 700 security professionals to establish benchmark data on how the training, the tools, and the approach to active assailant preparedness has evolved. We consolidated our findings into the 2024 active assailant preparedness report which you can download here:
As the landscape of active assailant threats evolves, staying ahead with cutting-edge technology will be crucial for effective preparedness and peace of mind.
Cyber-attacks are on the rise and predicted to increase at an exponential rate in the coming years. More than ever before, IT leaders are tasked with building reliable processes and deploying the right set of tools to protect their organizations and mitigate impact from disruptions.