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.

Fortunately, there are security measures we can all take to reduce these threats, protect our information and our pocket books.  However, it’s up to you to take the first step in preventing losses associated with computer crime.  Getting informed should start by visiting the Centre for Securing Cyberspace and finding out more about how we can be successful in fighting the multilateral nature of cyber crime; locally, nationally and internationally.

Large corporations and all businesses need to consider their levels of risk and stay informed, diligent and most importantly proactive!  There are numerous groups that can help you stay on the cutting edge of security technology and protect your assets.  When you carefully examine the potential losses associated with an information breach, joining an organization such as the Security Professionals Information Exchange (SPIE) is a great investment of both time and money.  This also provides new opportunities for learning and networking. The upcoming TriLateral Security Conference would be a great start and will be held in Calgary, Alberta from June 16th – 18th, 2009  The theme this year is “Securing a Sustainable Society” and will highlight a dynamic range of guest speakers, those who are actively engaged in securing our cyber frontier.

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!

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.

There is a solution! Key Systems Inc offers a range of key boxes with some unique and very clever features. First off, you may only open the door to the box by entering a unique PIN or by presenting an access control card. (If your organization already uses access control the card can work with the key box.) Second, once inside the box you will only be able to remove the key or keys you have been given access to. Of course the box logs when you open the door and also which key or keys you have removed. Once you return the keys that are also logged.

The boxes are networkable and report to a software program that can give an up to the moment inventory of all keys in the system and a report of who has the keys out and for how long. If a key has not been returned within a preset time period a flag can alert someone or even email the info.

The boxes come in sizes that include the “Swat Box”, a flush mounted box that pops open on an access grant and houses 1 or 2 keys or even an access card, up to a 96 key box. With that kind of range you could place the swat box at say, a mechanical room or storage room door and eliminate the need to carry that huge ring of keys everywhere. The key is where you need it when you need it! Or you could have a centralized box with 96 key positions. Each “key position” secures a tamperproof ring that contains one or more keys. You can group keys on a ring and release them all with proper access.

Because the boxes are networkable you can link as many as required and have them spread throughout a building, throughout many remote buildings or scattered around the world! All of this is controlled and reporting to the software. There are also some other neat features that may come in handy. Let’s say someone calls you on your Blackberry needing access to an area. Let’s say it is a special case that you are OK with. You can unlock the box and a required key from your Blackberry.

So there it is! You now have your keys under control and can rest easy knowing that you are saving money by not re-keying every time a key “vaporizes”. When you know where all keys are at any given time and are alerted if a key is “missing”, you know you finally have control of your security!

Protec Security Systems is a distributor for Key Systems Inc products.

protec01@telusplanet.net

www.keysystemsinc.com

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”

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.”