We traditionally provide a holiday season security commentary. The holiday season is different in security risk terms than the rest of the year.
As well, every holiday season has a different security risk context and dynamics than previous holiday seasons. This year, Australia and other democratic countries have experienced well planned social upheaval, violence and aggression impacting communities, workplaces (including electoral offices) and places of worship. These activities are expected to intensify during Australia Day, when the new academic year commences and the lead up to elections.
Owners and managers of commercial properties, ‘crowded places’ and critical infrastructure have increasing concerns about malicious acts from ‘trusted insiders’ and ‘newer’ criminal methods, for example armed drones, hostile vehicle attacks, fire as a weapon, sabotage, hoax emergency calls to create mass panic, ‘swatting’ and targeted public disruption. There is a growing realisation that traditional security thinking and resources are largely unhelpful in today’s evolving threat landscape.
In acknowledgement of official security assessments, the Australian national threat alert level has been elevated.
On the doorstep of the holiday season, many security companies have failed to re-evaluate and update their governance, risk assessments and training to ensure that their service delivery is aligned to changing client contexts. Security companies, especially those providing security personnel on site, should have by now re-energised their services to meet the security challenges of the holiday season. Clients of these services should seek professional guidance from independent security consultants with proven subject matter expertise to evaluate the services and identify opportunities for security improvement.
Recent terrorist attacks in crowded places and against critical infrastructure and supply chains overseas demonstrate that the intentions of terrorists have not waned. Terrorism does not stop at international borders.
The concerns about radicalised youth has been raised by ASIO and partner agencies in Australia and overseas.
We suggest that you read our blog posted for the previous festive season. There are important issues and practical recommendations that remain highly relevant and should be considered now.
It is also time to revisit the Australian Government’s guidance relating to terrorism. Please contact us if you would like to discuss.
While we are very pleased that we have been able to help clients realign their security thinking and resources to effectively meet the threat head on, it is evident that many other organisations have yet to accept the changing threat landscape.
Between now and the end of the holiday season (i.e. the end of January), our Threat Management Advisory Service is available only for organisations registered for this professional support for the C-Suite and Crisis Committee of clients. Happy to discuss.
From our team, we wish you and your families joy and safety for the holiday season and a prosperous and healthy new year. We thank you for the trust that you place with us.
Stay safe and stay Informed…
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Contact
Geoff Harris, Principal Consultant –
info@harris.com.au or telephone +61 2 9560 9933
HARRIS SECURITY MANAGEMENT
Integrated Security and Emergency Risk Management for Facilities, Crowded Places and Supply Networks.
Trusted independent security consultants since 1983 – Celebrating 40 years of thought leadership in security.
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Published 17 December 2024.
Edited from blog dated 8 December 2020.
