Archive for the 'Business Crime & Asset Protection' Category
Cyberspace – Securing the Frontier
It’s difficult enough securing our physical assets whether at home or at work but try locking down everything in cyberspace. Protecting ourselves from “virtual” predators has become essential, just as important as making sure our door is locked before leaving our home or office.
The reality is cyber criminals are continuing to target us and if your radar is not picking up the fact that these crimes are on the rise, then you better lock down the hatches before it’s too late. These criminals, many of them professionals are stealing “bits” & “bytes” (computer lingo for digital data ), not to be confused with the popular snacks.
Victims range from large corporations to those folks like you and I that may be at risk of identity theft. It’s safe to say that many of us own and operate computers and they are certainly an essential part of every office environment. The Canadian Press has reported that these criminals are forming “pseudo corporations” and hiring people to compromise high-traffic, trusted websites, resulting in threats growing dramatically on the Internet in 2008, says a report from Symantec Inc.
1 commentSecurity vs. Terrorism
By: Steve Woolrich
In today’s Globe and Mail, writer Keith Bradsher addressed the security challenges that face us globally. More specifically, he writes about the recent attacks in Mumbai and the various hotel chains trying to address these types of crimes. ”For decades, luxury hotels have been oases for travelers in developing countries, places to mingle with the local elite, enjoy a lavish meal or a dip in the pool and sleep in clean safe rooms,” he writes.
Its difficult not to think about terrorism as it makes the headline newscasts or newspapers around the world. In some cases, we watch it live as it unfolds on CNN or over the Internet. As the war on terrorism continues many of us are asking ourselves where we are safe anymore. In today’s age, traveling seems risky at the best of times and security experts agree that there is no system that is foolproof. As the article points out, most luxury hotel chains have security protocols and are constantly fine-tuning them to meet the the risks they face. As a security professional myself, I wonder what the other hotels are doing and specifically what Canadian hotel chains are doing. If there is one thing I’ve learned during the past 25 years its that I prefer to be proactive rather than reactive!
At any rate, the article titled ” We might see cleaning ladies with explosive detectors” is well-written and I’m sure that everyone in the industry will be taking a close look at their security programs and procedures as a result of this criminal act. We can only hope that things improve!
No commentsKey Control – The Answer!
By: Ron Taylor – Owner of Protec Security Systems
We’ve all seen him…we may even be him! There are enough keys hanging from his belt to ensure hip problems in later life and enough racket while walking to alert others within a five block radius that he is passing through. Each and every key has its vital role and must be available when needed…even if half of them haven’t been needed for months.
We’ve all seen one…we may even be in charge of one! A key box that when opened revels such a cluttered mess even Rain man could not count them all. Again, they are all of highest importance to the operation and must be in the box when needed…even if the keys you really need right now are somewhat elusive.
The worst case is this: you need a key now and yet it does not seem to be where it should be. Did I lose it myself? Did someone else take the key? You ask around but no one is admitting to having it. What to do? After all it is the master key to the warehouse. Of course you know what to do…re-key. Last time this happened it cost $3,800.00. That was only six months ago.
No commentsProtecting Assets has Costs
By: Steve Woolrich
I recently spoke to the Red Deer Executive Leads Association on the subject of business crime. This group of business savvy professionals has grown to approximately 55 members since it was founded in 1991. They bring together a group of people who are representative of the best business and professional interests in Red Deer.
I attempted to point out to those in attendance that their businesses are likely experiencing various types of losses and that a “proactive” approach to addressing these issues should be a priority at all times. They were receptive and certainly had questions regarding business crime and protecting their assets.
Read “Protecting Assets has Costs”
No commentsBusiness Security
By: Erin Fawcett
Red Deer Express
June 4, 2008
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
A new security company that caters to the business community has opened up shop in Red Deer. SeCure Consulting Solutions Inc., owned and operated by Steve Woolrich, concentrates on reducing a businesses risk and protecting their assets. ”This is a full solution for businesses to consider when it comes to security,” said Woolrich, who launched the company in February. ”It will be a multi-layered approach to loss prevention and corporate security.”
Woolrich added his security company can help businesses of all kinds whether it is oil and gas, the transportation sector or the retail outlets, among others. ”Security is an issue for every business,” he said. “It’s just whether they want to address it or sweep it under the rug.”
Woolrich, who has worked in the security industry since 1983, added for the past few years companies have been focusing more on safety rather than security. ”There needs to be kind of shift back to middle ground where they can find that balance between safety and security,” said Woolrich. “Especially, in oil and gas – they are almost out of balance because their security issues aren’t being addressed.”
Woolrich said when a business first contacts him he first does a risk assessment of the company, which allows a business to understand where their weak points are. ”Ideally, I believe every business should be using the CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design) model, said Woolrich. ”The City of Red Deer and the Downtown Business Association are getting very proactive in that area.”
SOLID PROTECTION - Steve Woolrich, owner of SeCure Consulting Solutions Inc., is reflected in the window of his vehicle recently. Chad Hipolito/Red Deer Express
After the risk assessment is complete, Woolrich, along with the business, will come up with an action plan. “That’s going to be based on a business budget,” he said. ”We’re not asking a business to do anything they can’t afford or anything that’s too extreme for them – but at least then they’ll have a starting point.”
Woolrich added with any successful security initiative a business has to have a foundation and then start building from there. ”I just hope to be able to address all of their security issues,” said Woolrich. ”It’s about reducing losses.”
3 comments