International Academy for Security Management

Expanding Your Horizons as a Security Professional

2011-07-25T05:14:00.000-07:00

ARC has an exciting programme of courses over the coming months, with something for all levels. If you are looking for core-skills training in security management, you should consider either:

• Security Management Stage 1, 8-19 August and again 14-25 November (UK). This core-skills course, attended by hundreds of security managers worldwide, is university accredited and provides the initial step towards the MSc Professional Practice in Corporate Security Management. The course is also scheduled to run in Kuala Lumpur, 12-23 September, and Nigeria, 3-14 October.

• BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Security Coordination and Management, 5-9 September (UK) and 14-18 November (Singapore). This course provides delegates with a recognised Edexcel award in security management. Edexcel professional awards are recognised across the world.

If you have attended a core skills course in security management, you may wish to consider Security Management Stage 2, 10-21 October (UK), which focuses on the more advanced concepts in security management.

Security Management Stage 3, 19-30 September, is a two-week programme that focuses on the broader contribution that security managers can make to their organisations, especially at the strategic level. The course assumes that delegates have a broad education in generic security management, having attended Security Management Stages 1 and 2, or having already undertaken CPP.

The Burrill-Green Masterclass in Strategic Security Management, 31 October - 4 November, is intended for the most senior practitioners of corporate security and those with realistic aspirations to take up such a position. This is a unique learning experience and applications for places will be scrutinised accordingly to ensure that all participants are sufficiently “pre-qualified”. If you have completed Security Management Stages 1-3, hold a CPP, or are operating at regional security management level or higher, this is an ideal programme for you.

BTEC Professional Awards offer certificated proof of your competence in security management. Train to security survey with the BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Security Surveying and Design, 12-16 September (UK), train to investigate with the BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Workplace Investigating and Interviewing, 3-6 October (UK), or simply aim for the generic BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Security Coordination and Management (details above).

For information on any of these opportunities, just click on the course title to be taken to the respective ARC webpage, or contact janetward@arc-tc.com

Welcome to Laura

2011-07-25T04:08:00.000-07:00

2011 has been the busiest year so far for ARC, and we are welcoming record numbers onto our courses. This has led to an expansion of the support team and ARC is delighted to welcome Laura Campbell as latest addition to the organisation. Laura will perform the dual role of marketing and academic coordination. Laura joins ARC direct from Reading University, where she has been reading Politics and International Relations.

Those blog readers who are working towards the MSc Professional Practice in Corporate Security Management will have the most direct contact with Laura, as she increasingly takes on responsibility for the coordination your post-course assignments.

Laura can be contacted at laura@arc-tc.com, and very much looks forward to working with you in the future.

Sharing Oil and Gas Security Management Expertise

2011-07-25T03:54:00.000-07:00

Last week 16 delegates representing countries as diverse as Angola, Argentina, Egypt, Nigeria, UK, and the UAE, and major oil producers including Shell, BP, Total and Chevron, gathered at ARC Training for the now annual Managing Security Risks in the Oil and Gas Sector Course.

Covering many aspects of oil and gas security, including security risk analysis, onshore maritime security, human rights and indigenous populations, corporate social responsibility, pipeline security, refinery and terminal security, activism and retail security, the course included a detailed syndicate project in which delegates produces a security strategy for a notional exploration and production operation in Angola.

In feedback, 100% of the delegates rated the courses as “good” or “excellent”, and all indicated that they “would recommend the course to a colleague”.
Full course contents can be found at http://www.arc-tc.com/pages/SpecialisedSecurityCourses.asp#msr

Terrorism, Pandemics or Something Else - The Future

2011-07-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

Despite the recent lowering of the UK terrorism alert level from Severe to Substantial, it is worth taking a look at the current UK Civil Emergencies National Risk Register http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/default/files/resources/nationalriskregister-2010.pdf , in which attacks on crowded places and attacks on transport remain high likelihood events. A little lower down than terrorism on the likelihood scale but significantly higher on the impact scale is pandemic disease. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_097137

The Future according to the World Economic Forum - Climate Change, Fiscal Crises, Geopolitical Conflict, Energy and Water Insecurity

2011-07-19T23:13:00.000-07:00

The World Economic Forum Global Risks 2011 Report is a detailed analysis of the risk landscape for the coming five years. Prominent among those risks that are expected to have the greatest likelihood of occurrence/impact are climate change, fiscal crises, geopolitical conflict, extreme energy price volatility and water security.

An understanding of future likely global risks is important to businesses when developing strategy and to security managers in particular who are tasked with producing a parallel and commensurate security management strategy.

The Global Risks 2011 Report is one of a number of documents that will be analysed during the Corporate Risk Management module by delegates attending the forthcoming university-accredited (postgraduate-level) Security Management Stage 3 Course. Other subjects addressed by the course include Corporate Social Responsibility, Setting a Vision for Corporate Security, Kidnap Risk Reduction & Response, Illicit Trade & Counterfeiting, Product Tampering & Extortion, Espionage and Investigating Information Leaks, Security Project Management, IT Security – Managing Strategic Risks, Terrorism – Future Trends & Responses, External Liaison & Stakeholder Engagement, Business Expansion – Security Considerations, Security Intelligence, and Dealing with Protest Activity.

The course is aimed at those who have completed Security Management Stages 1 and 2, but is also suitable for those who are CPP-certified, and provides a full three-year term of CFE recertification credits.

For details contact Janet or visit http://www.arc-tc.com/pages/university_acredited_sm.asp#sm3

What Is the Connection between the Serengeti National Park and the World’s Biggest LNG Project?

2011-05-10T22:35:00.000-07:00

Monday 16 May will see the simultaneous start of two of ARC’s most popular two-week, university-accredited (postgraduate) courses.

In the UK, 16 professionals from Brazil, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Poland, Qatar, South Africa, and Yemen will be attending the Security Management Stage 3 Course, an advanced programme to prepare managers for senior-level/regional-level security management responsibility. For some, this will also be a crucial step towards achieving their MSc Professional Practice in Corporate Security Management.

Alongside conventional security risk issues such as kidnap, terrorism, malicious contamination and extortion, illicit trade, business espionage, IT threats, security project management and activism, the course will address some of the more complex issues of security management such as widening the remit of the security professional, adding value to the security management programme, corporate social responsibility, external liaison and stakeholder engagement, security considerations in business expansion into new regions, and security intelligence. The course includes a wide range of professionals ranging from South Africa regional government security heads to professionals from the world’s biggest LNG operation.

Meanwhile, in Kenya, 11 professionals from Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania and South Africa will begin the core-skills Security Management Stage 1 Course. As well as security managers from traditional security operating environments, course delegates will include wardens from some of Tanzania’s world famous parks, including the Serengeti.

Full details of all ARC courses can be found at www.arc-tc.com, or by emailing janetward@arc-tc.com

40% of Execs Expect Major Cyber Attack on Electricity Industry in Next 12 Months

2011-05-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

Source: InfoSecurity.com

A full 40% of executives from electricity firms think their industry is more vulnerable to cyber attacks, according to a new report by McAfee and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Close to 30% of respondents believe their company was not prepared for a cyberattack, and more than 40% expect a major cyberattack within the next year, according to a survey of 200 IT security executives from electricity infrastructure enterprises in 14 countries conducted by Vanson Bourne for McAfee and CSIS. The survey results are presented in their new report "In the Dark: Crucial Industries Confront Cyberattacks".

The energy sector increased its adoption of security technologies by only a single percentage point (51%) compared to last year’s report, and the oil and gas industries increased only by three percentage points (48%).

“Perhaps one of the most frightening findings in the report is the fact that, although the security threat and awareness of the threat have increased exponentially, the energy sector increased its adoption of security technologies by only one percent”, Phyllis Schneck, chief technology officer for public sector at McAfee, wrote in a blog.

Schneck offered two reasons for this lag in security investment by the energy sector. First, there is a lack of incentive to invest in security when the threats are not tangible. Second, cybersecurity investment decisions are made at the chief information officer level, when they need to be made at the chief executive level. “Cyber security is a business risk – if the lights go out, everyone loses money”, she said.

Full report at: http://www.infosecurity-us.com/view/17597/40-of-execs-expect-major-cyber-attack-on-electricity-industry-in-next-12-months/

Demonstrating Competence in Advanced Security Management Concepts

2011-05-09T03:00:00.001-07:00

14 candidates have this morning begun a week’s intensive study with ARC that will lead them to the ASIS CPP examination next week. Most candidates are from the UK, but the group also includes one Russian, one Irishman and two South Africans. The candidates are hopeful of becoming part of the unique body of just 6,000 security professionals worldwide (of whom about 130 are in the UK) who have earned this prestigious designation in advanced security management.

The week-long course is the culmination of 4 months of distance learning, totalling some 160 hours of hard study, during which they have assimilated the key points from thousands of pages of reference material, covering generic management and leadership principles, organising and managing a security function, personnel security, investigations, crisis management, the law, physical security, and information/IT security.

ARC has a good track record in preparing candidates for this very difficult examination, the pass mark for which is 80%. Typically, about 8 out of every 10 ARC-trained candidates pass first time. But the examination is not for the faint hearted. Each year the questions become more difficult, making it a very hard qualification to achieve. In recent years the exam has changed from a memory-recall challenge into a true competence-assessment test by the clever wording of the questions. Only the most dedicated candidates make it through the distance learning phase into the classroom, and only the top of the profession pass the examination.

Tankers Could be Used for Terror Attacks: Somali Prime Minister

2011-05-03T07:29:00.001-07:00

Source: Uganda Daily Monitor

Somalia's prime minister warned Thursday that Al-Qaeda could soon start hijacking super-tankers to stage attacks.

Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed told a UN Security Council debate that Osama bin Laden's followers in Somalia were learning from the country's now notorious pirates who seize hundreds of ships and yachts each year.

"It will not surprise us if Al-Qaeda's agents in Somalia start hijacking tankers on the high seas and use them as deadly weapons as they did in September 2001," Mohamed told the Security Council debate on his war-stricken nation.

"Why bother with a small plane when you can capture a tanker?" he added.

Tankers Could be Used for Terror Attacks: Somali Prime Minister

2011-05-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

Advanced-Level Education in Security Management

2011-05-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

14 delegates from a diverse range of countries, including Brazil, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Poland, Qatar, South Africa and Yemen will be attending the strategic level Security Management Stage 3 Course at the ARC Training International Academy for Security Management during the period 16-27 May.

For many, the course will mark the almost midway point on their way to achieving the MSc Professional Practice in Corporate Security Management, a unique collaboration between Middlesex University and ARC. Topics that will be studied can be found at http://www.arc-tc.com/pages/university_acredited_sm.asp#sm3

Recent events in the Middle East are sure to feature prominently in the sessions on strategic risk management and the security challenges of business expansion into new markets

Every 3000th Click on a Website Could Infect Your Computer...Even if the Site is Legitimate and Well-Known!

2011-05-02T09:02:00.001-07:00

Here's how....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12539993

IT security is one of 15 essential subjects covered during Security Management Stage 1. The next UK course takes place 8-19 August. Click here for details, or email Janet.

How Easy Is It to Intercept a Mobile Phone Signal?

2011-05-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-13013577

Dubai: Delegates from 7 Countries Complete the First Step to Gaining MSc Professional Practice in Corporate Security Management.

2011-04-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

Delegates representing UK, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, India and Pakistan completed the two-week university-accredited Security Management Stage 1 Course in Dubai, yesterday, 21 April, excelling in their end-of-course assessments.

For almost all of the delegates, this course marks the first step en route to achieving the MSc Professional Practice in Corporate Security Management, awarded by London’s Middlesex University.

The Security Management Stage 1 Course, developed and delivered by the ARC Training International Academy for Security Management, is the most popular core-skills security management training course in the world. It has been undertaken by over a thousand security managers from almost 100 different countries.

Forthcoming Security Management Stage 1 Courses are as follows:

Kenya 16-27 May, UK 8-19 August, Nigeria 3-14 October, UK 14-25 November, Singapore 6-17 February 2012
For more information, contact Janet.

Maritime Piracy Hits All-Time High Q1 2011 - Oil Tankers a Particular Focus

2011-04-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

Source and Copyright: UPI.com

Somali pirates are increasingly threatening global oil supplies from the Persian Gulf as they extend their attacks ever deeper into the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, morphing from a tactical nuisance to a strategic danger.

Three supertankers have been seized so far this year, the first time since the piracy plague began in 2006 that so many have been captured in a three-month period.

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Science_News/Resource-Wars/2011/04/14/Somali-pirates-zero-in-on-oil-tanker-lanes/UPI-35161302806016/#ixzz1JkIYebuF

How to Gain a Qualification in Workplace Investigating

2011-04-16T19:43:00.000-07:00

“a fantastic course which I would definitely recommend to others! The content was spot on and the material very well presented.”

Last week 12 delegates representing a variety of international and UK-based organisations successfully completed the first Workplace Investigation and Interviewing Course at ARC’s training centre in Berkshire. Delivered by Angus Darroch-Warren, the course is an approved Edexcel Level 4 Professional Award and is believed to be the first course of this type to receive this recognition in the UK.

The delegates learnt how to conduct effective and legally compliant workplace investigations. Delegates studied theoretical concepts in the classroom, covering topics such as risk management, the law, criminal and civil procedure, the disciplinary process and communication skills. They were also tasked with managing a set of practical scenarios which required them to collect and analyse investigation material, conduct interviews and present their findings in a workplace context. In the words of one delegate it was a “fantastic course which I would definitely recommend to others! The content was spot on and the material very well presented.”

The next Edexcel Level 4 Professional Award in Workplace Investigations and Interviewing Course takes place 3-6 October. This is becoming a very popular course, so do be sure to register early, by contacting Janet.

How to Infect Your Computer in One Click....

2011-04-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

Becoming Qualified as a Security Surveyor

2011-04-12T02:28:00.000-07:00

The recent Security Surveying and Design Course was ARC’s first to be run as a BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Security Surveying and Design. To the delight of the trainer, and to the credit of the delegates, all have been awarded provisional passes.

The delegates came from mixed experience backgrounds including banking, oil and gas, retail and national policing (Carabinieri). The survey was conducted on a retail operation and despite their non-familiarity with the risk profile of the industry sector the delegates were able to relate the course material to the survey, and produced a creditable report.

It is encouraging to see delegates develop so quickly through the week and establish a strong team ethic. The practical application of the course content makes the learning experience much more meaningful.

The next BTEC Level 4 Professional Award Course in Security Surveying and Design takes place 12-16 September 2011. For details click here or contact Janet.

Security Professionals Gather in Dubai

2011-04-08T12:12:00.000-07:00

Seven delegates will begin their two-week Security Management Stage 1 Course in Dubai on Sunday 10 April. For many of the seven, this course will mark their first step on the path to achieving the MSc Professional Practice in Corporate Security Management.The group is typical of the highly-qualified contemporary security managers that characterise the Middle East region. Two have MBAs, one has a Bachelor of Business Administration, one is studying for a BSc in Computing Science, and another is a graduate in economics. They include Arabs and non-Arab expatriates from Dubai, Qatar and Oman.

A highly interactive and engaging two weeks is anticipated. David Cresswell will be managing the course, assisted by Steve Phelps.

Further Security Management Stage 1 courses are planned soon for Kenya, the UK and Nigeria. Contact Janet for details and dates.

Creating a Security Intelligence Capability

2011-04-04T05:43:00.000-07:00

Such was the success of last week’s new Developing Intelligence in the Corporate Security Environment Course that ARC has decided to run a second course later in the year, 24-28 October. For details click here or contact Janet.

Last week’s course, led by Steve Phelps and Justin Crump, saw delegates from Russia, the UK, Kazakhstan and Nigeria learn how to identify and manage the challenges that will arise out of the requirement to develop a security intelligence capability as a subdivision of the coporate security function. Delegates examined the requirement for a project-managed approach to developing the facilities, human resources, hardware and software environments and the products in order to meet the requirements of the business. They were also challenged to think critically about cross-departmental cooperation and utility, product delivery, quality assurance and quality control, operational security, ethics of conducting intelligence operations and above all how to demonstrate value for money and return on investment. In all, they were equipped to deliver the new capability or develop an existing capaility withion their company's security function.

Full of confidence with their new skills, they return to their organisations with a full toolset that will allow them to add value to their respective businesses by driving down uncertainty on the decision-making processes for managers across the business, facilitating the pre-emptive deployment of security risk mitigation thereby reducing risk to As Low As Reasonably Practicable and improving effectiveness and efficiency of security delivery.

400% Rise in Flash Drive Loss in the UK, 2009-2010

2011-03-31T00:03:00.000-07:00

Source and Copyright: Hexus.Net

More than 17,000 USB sticks were left behind in dry cleaners and launderettes in the UK during 2010, according to a new survey. According to Credant Technologies, the number of USB sticks left behind at the shops increased 400 percent from 2009 levels.

It noted that the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), which has the power to hand out £500,000 fines for breached of the data Protection Act (DPA) has handed out 2 fines to Ealing Council and Hounslow Council in February alone, for £80,000 and £70,000 respectively.

Comment:

All ARC staff are required by policy to use encryptable Sandisk Cruzer Extreme USB flash drives, which are available from Amazon.com. They cost a little more than regular flash drives, but the data on them is totally secure if lost. We find that as long as staff are aware of the reason for such measures, and the potential consequences of inadvertent loss, they cooperate willingly. Try it out in your organisations.

Expand Your Expertise as a Security Professional

2011-03-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

First step towards your MSc Professional Practice in Corporate Security Management.
Gain a thorough grounding in security management, and take your first step toward an MSc degree with the university-accredited Security Management Stage 1. Next course takes place in Dubai, 10-21 April. Click here for details.

Become a qualified security surveyor.
Get a BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Security Surveying. Next UK course 4-8 April. Click on the course title for details, or click here to contact Janet and reserve your place.

Who is lying to you?
Learn the skills of investigation on the Investigating and Interviewing Skills (BTEC Level 4 Award in Workplace Investigation & Interviewing) course and catch the cheats in your organisation. Next UK course 11-14 April. Click on the course title for details, or click here to contact Janet and reserve your place.

Seeking strategic security management skills?
You’ve got a CPP, or have attended Security Management Stages 1 & 2, and now you want to develop your strategic security management skills? The Security Management Stage 3 course takes place 16-27 May. Click on the course title for details, or click here to contact Janet and reserve your place.

Develop your existing investigative skills.
You’re a practised investigator and you want to take your skills a stage further. Consider the Advanced Investigations Techniques course, delivered by former police senior investigators. Next UK course 6-10 June. Click on the course title for details, or click here to contact Janet and reserve your place.

Counter-terrorism training.
How do you protect your facilities against a bomb attack? Learn from police-trained counter-terrorism experts on the Protecting Infrastructure against Terrorism course. Next UK course 13-17 June. Click on the course title for details, or click here to contact Janet and reserve your place.

Managing Threats in a Dangerous World

2011-03-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

The Chartered Management Institute has just published its 2011 Business Continuity Management Survey, entitled Managing Threats in a Dangerous World. For a copy of the publication, email David.

Crisis Management takes the form of a one-day workshop on the university-accredited (leading to MSc) Security Management Stage 1 Course. For details of forthcoming courses in Dubai, the UK and Kenya, contact Janet.

Business Continuity Management is a one-day workshop on the university-accredited (leading to MSc) Security Management Stage 2 Course, 4-15 July. For full course details click on the course title, or contact Janet.

Thinking of Investing in IP CCTV? Read This First

2011-03-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

Tyco has produced a very useful Guide to IP CCTV, a copy of which can be obtained by emailing David.

CCTV is covered in detail on Security Management Stage 2. Full course contents can be found at http://www.arc-tc.com/pages/university_acredited_sm.asp#sm2 and forthcoming course dates are:

UK

4-15 July 2011
10-21 October 2011

Contact Janet for details of the above.

Nairobi, Kenya

4-15 July 2011

Click here for details of the Nairobi course.

One of the Biggest Threats to Your IT Systems is Preventable

2011-03-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

Social engineering. Read about it here:

http://www.cio.com.au/article/380867/social_engineering_remains_biggest_cyber_threat/

CONGRATULATIONS! Another ARC Student Earns the Masters Degree Professional Practice in Corporate Security Management

2011-03-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

It’s subject to verification, but it is safe to announce: Another ARC student has achieved their Masters Degree Professional Practice in Corporate Security Management with Middlesex University!

Dawn Green works for Thames Water, and began her security management training with ARC in 2005. Progressing through Security Management Stages 1, 2 and 3 with distinction, she transferred to the university-led element of the Masters programme in 2010.

Dawn’s dissertation with Middlesex University earned her a very commendable merit grade, and we look forward to celebrating her success at the forthcoming Graduation Ceremony.

If you are interested in working towards the MSc Professional Practice in Corporate Security Management, the starting point is the Security Management Stage 1 Course.

Forthcoming Security Management Stage 1 events are as follows:

April
10-21 April, Dubai

May
16-27 May, Nairobi
16-27 May, Singapore

August
8-19 August, UK

Contact Janet for details.

Candidates Prepare for PSP Certification

2011-03-18T01:53:00.000-07:00

Debswana (Botswana) candidates enjoy a brief snack between intensive sessions to prepare for their PSP certification exams next week.

Smiles of Achievement

2011-03-17T04:56:00.000-07:00

A new group of students this time representing Brazil, Thailand, Germany, Nigeria, Oman, Tajikistan the UK commenced their ARC Security Management Stage 1 course on Monday at Streatley.

All of the students have security responsibilities ranging through the oil and gas, consumables and offshore industries. Whilst some have had either police or military backgrounds, others have had continous commercial experience. This rich mixture of skills and knowledge are bringing great benefit to all of the group members.

By the middle of only the second day one student smiled and said 'I now have a model for risk assessment and managment that I can use in my company, thank you'.

This course can contribute to a Masters Degree through Middlesex University and although several of the Students had already undertaken to progrees to that award, since his arrival another one had decided to join them. Despite some initial scepticism when their instructor told them that they would enjoy their project, by Wednesday evening they were thoroughly involved in their syndicate work. With another eight days to go the signs are that more ARC students will be heading home sporting a well deserved smile of achievement.

Then next UK Security Management Stage 1 Course takes place in the UK, 8-19 August. In the interim, there are Security Management Stage 1 courses taking place in Dubai (April), Kenya (May) and Singapore (May). Email Janet for details, or go to http://www.arc-tc.com/pages/university_acredited_sm.asp#sm1

Yeah Right!

2011-03-14T04:12:00.000-07:00

Record Mock Exam Scores from Botswana PSP Candidates

2011-03-14T03:58:00.000-07:00

Nine delegates from Debswana, Botswana, began the intensive classroom phase of their PSP Certification Preparation Programme this morning, and the first task on the agenda was the mock examination.

The scores were exceptional, with almost every candidate passing, and one, Kenneth Tau, scoring a record 83%. The results bode well for a week from today, when the candidates will sit the real thing.

Between now and then the whole syllabus will be covered in a series of intensive classroom sessions and daily testing.

This week’s classroom phase brings to an end almost a year of distance learning, during which candidates have devoted long weekends and many evenings to study.

Working in Partnership to Secure the World’s Largest Diamond Mine

2011-03-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

David is currently in the Botswana capital Gaborone to deliver the final stage of a preparation programme for the ASIS PSP (Physical Security Professional) certification award, the culmination of a year of distance learning study.

There are nine candidates attending the programme, many of whom are employed on security management duties at the world’s largest diamond mine by value, Jwaneng Mine, which is operated as a joint venture by De Beers and the Botswana government.

With efficient security in place, it is predicted that diamond mining will continue at the mine for at least the next 20 years!

US Study Finds that Workers Face 10% chance of Losing their Laptops

2011-03-09T22:08:00.000-08:00

Source and Copyright: Microsoft

• According to a new study, more than 300 businesses and other organizations lost more than 86,000 laptop PCs worth a staggering $2.1 billion.

• The majority of these companies with significant amounts of confidential data on their mobile PCs do not take advantage of even basic security practices.

• Transportation venues, such as airports and train stations are not the riskiest places; seemingly safe locations, such as homes and hotel rooms account for more than 40 percent of laptop disappearances.

• Workers face up to a 10 percent chance of losing their laptops, depending on the industry they work in.

Join the university-accredited Security Management Stage 1 Course, 8-19 August and see what you can be doing to mitigate this risk. Contact Janet for details.

Security Management Stage 1 in Singapore – Coming Very Soon!

2011-03-09T22:04:00.000-08:00

David Cresswell has been invited to Singapore by local partner company Talent Street to deliver the university-accredited Security Management Stage 1 Course, 16-27 May 2011. The SM1 course, which has been successfully completed by hundreds of security professionals from all over the world, provides an optional first step for delegates wishing to study for the MSc Professional Practice in Corporate Security Management.

For more information, or to register a place on the course, click here.

Third of European PC Users Caught Virus in 2010, and Smartphone Viruses on Increase

2011-03-09T22:00:00.000-08:00

Almost one third of internet users in the European Union caught a PC virus despite the majority having security software installed, statistics show. In early January, according to some estimates, the number of viruses targeting PCs hit 50 million.

Numbers suggest that smartphones are becoming more widespread than PCs, meaning they are becoming an increasingly lucrative target for scammers and hi-tech thieves. Much of the malware targeting smartphones was spread via PDFs and Flash software, Mcafee said.

IT Security - Managing Strategic Risks is one of 15 top-level security management topics covered on the forthcoming university-accredited Security Management Stage 3 Course, 16-27 May. Contact Janet for details.

ARC to Deliver the University Accredited Security Management Stage 1 Course in Africa

2011-03-09T21:53:00.000-08:00

ARC’s southern Africa representative, AMC International, has invited ARC to deliver the university-accredited Security Management Stage 1 Course in Nairobi, Kenya, 16-27 May 2011. The Security Management Stage 1 course provides an optional first step for delegates wishing to study for the MSc Professional Practice in Corporate Security Management.

This has now become an annual event, following on from a very successful Security Management Stage 1 in Kenya last year.

For more information and to make a booking, click here.

Industrial Espionage – Data out of the Door

2011-03-09T21:50:00.000-08:00

Copyright: Financial Times

“Industrial espionage is being catapulted to a position of great relevance to many of the world’s top companies as technological change becomes of growing importance to business performance. Companies across the world are increasingly interested in gaining access to their competitors’ secrets as early as possible in the development cycle for new products and services.

Most corporate intelligence gathering is legitimate, based on such conventional practices as picking up scraps of information about competitors by attending trade shows. But few people involved doubt that the illicit part of this activity is bigger than it ever was.

The ways that secrets are taken vary. One of the most widely used is when employees switch jobs, taking with them confidential designs.

But the vast majority of cyber-espionage cases in the US, which are linked to “hacking” into computer networks, have been traced to e-mails with plausible-looking attachments that use parts of Microsoft Word and other commonplace programs to extract information and channel it to unauthorised people over the internet. Warnings about such espionage are often ignored by staff, however, so experts recommend that businesses focus instead on rapid patching of such software “vulnerabilities”.”

Business espionage and countermeasures are addressed in detail in a one-day workshop on the forthcoming Security Management Stage 3 Course. If you have a particular interest in this subject, but don’t wish to attend the whole course, you may attend the workshop as a day delegate. Contact Janet for details.

Could You Be Prosecuted for Getting A Decision Fatally Wrong in an Emergency?

2011-03-09T21:48:00.000-08:00

The news that three senior fire officers are to be prosecuted over the deaths of four firefighters attending a fire in the UK has prompted a debate on a Linked-in community recently over how much risk we should expose our security staff to, and the safeguards that we need to put in place to protect both managers from prosecution and front-line staff from harm. For a copy of the transcript, email David.

To Blow the Whistle?

2011-03-09T21:42:00.000-08:00

There has been an interesting discussion on a linked-in community recently on the pros and cons of having an anonymous “whistle blowing” hotline. For a copy of the transcript, email David.

David Cresswell to Deliver the University Accredited Security Management Stage 1 Course in Dubai in April

2011-03-09T21:38:00.000-08:00

ARC’s Arabian Gulf representative, Precept Management Consultancy, has invited David Cresswell to deliver the university-accredited Security Management Stage 1 Course in Dubai, 10-21 April 2011. The SM1 course provides an optional first step for delegates wishing to study for the MSc Professional Practice in Corporate Security Management.

For more information and to make a booking, click here.

BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Security Coordination and Management

2011-03-09T21:30:00.000-08:00

Yaqoub Almughamis is typical of the 10 delegates who graduated on Friday 25th February with their BTEC Level 4 Professional Awards in Security Coordination and Management. Recently appointed as Assistant Director General (Security) at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Yaqoub had been a career general manager until his promotion into a security management role. The one-week BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Security Management fulfilled all of his expectations and he is now keen to put into practice his new skills at knowledge to the betterment of his organisation.

The King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is one of the leading research and teaching universities in the Middle East. In 2009, KFUPM was ranked in the top 1% of 30,000 selected universities worldwide by Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings, based on research quality, teaching quality, employability of alumni and international outlook. The ARC Training International Academy for Security Management is proud to serve KFUPM.

For more details about the Edexcel BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Security Coordination and Management go to http://www.arc-tc.com/pages/other_accredited_sm.asp#s1b, or contact Janet.

For overseas BTEC Level 4 Professional Award courses planned later this year for Dubai, South Africa and Nigeria, contact Janet also and she will put you in touch with the organisers.

Would You Be Tempted?

2011-03-09T21:25:00.000-08:00

You put your card into an ATM machine and it dispenses more cash than you requested. Do you:

a. Keep the cash and say nothing?
b. Report the matter to the bank?
c. Give the balance to charity?
d. Something else?

Firstly, this doesn't happen very often, so don't get excited! This is often perceived as a “victimless crime”, similar to the ways in which employees view pilfering from their employer or falsifying expenses. This, and other issues to do with morality and internal crime are discussed in detail on the Security Management Stage 1 Course, which will be taking place next week, and later in the year, 8-19 August. Click on the course title link for more information or contact Janet for details.

To find out what most people would do in the ATM incident, go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-12645719

How to Become a More Knowledgeable Security Professional

2011-03-08T02:57:00.000-08:00

First step towards your MSc Professional Practice in Corporate Security Management.
Gain a thorough grounding in security management, and take your first step toward an MSc degree with the university-accredited Security Management Stage 1. Next UK course 14-25 March. Click on the course title for details.

Learn how to create smart security.
By attending the Developing Intelligence in a Corporate Security Environment course. Developed and delivered by experts in the field of intelligence collection and analysis. Next UK course 28 March – 1 April. Click on the course title for details.

Become a qualified security surveyor.
Get a BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Security Surveying. Next UK course 4-8 April. Click on the course title for details.

Who is lying to you?
Learn the skills of investigation on the Investigating and Interviewing Skills (BTEC Level 4 Award in Workplace Investigation & Interviewing) course and catch the cheats in your organisation. Next UK course 11-14 April. Click on the course title for details.

Seeking strategic security management skills?
You’ve got a CPP, or have attended Security Management Stages 1 & 2, and now you want to develop your strategic security management skills? The Security Management Stage 3 course takes place 16-27 May. Click on the course title for details.

Develop your existing investigative skills.
You’re a practised investigator and you want to take your skills a stage further. Consider the Advanced Investigations Techniques course, delivered by former police senior investigators. Next UK course 6-10 June. Click on the course title for details.

Counter-terrorism training.
How do you protect your facilities against a bomb attack? Learn from police-trained counter-terrorism experts on the Protecting Infrastructure against Terrorism course. Next UK course 13-17 June. Click on the course title for details.

Security Managers Give Thumbs Up to Twitter

2011-03-07T02:18:00.000-08:00

While there is general apathy in the UK towards Twitter social media networking to aid security intelligence building and to help communicate in an emergency, a discussion on Linked-In by senior security professionals in the US gives Twitter a definite thumbs up.

I have a PDF copy of the discussion. For a copy, email me here.

India: Security Guards Stand by as Workers Burn to Death Manager

2011-03-03T23:33:00.001-08:00

Source: BBC News

A senior manager of an Indian steel factory has been burnt to death in the eastern state of Orissa, allegedly by a group of workers. Correspondents say that the security guards at the company gates did not appear to have come to Mr Roy's rescue through they witnessed the incident.

Police said the workers stopped the vehicle carrying Mr Roy, doused it in petrol and set it on fire. The driver and another employee in the vehicle managed to flee.

The factory had recently suspended 25 workers, reports say.

Ignorance of E-mail Monitoring Rules in the UK

2011-02-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

Source: OUT-LAW News

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act which came into force in October 2000 creates an offence of intercepting e-mails except in certain circumstances. In the case of employers, the rules for an employer to follow if wanting to monitor staff e-mail are set out in Regulations made under the Act, the Human Rights Act and a draft Code issued by the Information Commissioner (formerly the Data Protection Commissioner).

For the full story click here.

For a copy of The Legal Guide to Employee Monitoring, contact David.

ARC is Accredited by the UK’s Largest Academic and Vocational Training Awarding Body

2011-02-25T11:20:00.000-08:00

ARC is Accredited by Edexcel, the UK’s largest awarding body offering academic and vocational qualifications and testing to schools, colleges, employers and other places of learning in the UK and internationally.

In its first inspection ARC scored an A Grade. This confirms ARC’s position as firmly in the elite of professional development centres.

Encrypt Your Laptops and Flash Drives

2011-02-25T11:15:00.000-08:00

In the UK 2 councils were fined £150,000 after theft of 2 laptops which, contrary to the councils' policies, staff failed to encrypt.

Women Travellers and Hostile Environments

2011-02-25T11:11:00.000-08:00

It's naive to assume that gender is irrelevant when making hostile environment deployments, says the BBC. Click here for the full story.

Staggering Cost of UK Cyber Crime Revealed

2011-02-25T11:08:00.000-08:00

The days of the old-fashioned bank robber pulling a stocking over his head, and robbing a bank, are almost over, reports Sky News.

"Bank robbers have to go to banks – in the modern world they don’t even have to be in the same country as a bank to rob it,” said Martin Sutherland, managing director of Detica.

The threat posed by password thieves, phishers and hackers on home computers is well known.

Cyber crime is costing Britain at least £27bn a year, mostly though the theft of industrial secrets.

According to the study, the UK loses £9.2bn a year through the theft of the innovations and designs which drive industrial growth - what is known as intellectual property.

Another £7.6bn is lost through industrial espionage. The industries worst hit are defence, automobile, pharmaceuticals, software and computer services along with mining, and financial services.

Another Moscow-Style Airport Attack Highly Likely

2011-02-25T11:02:00.001-08:00

Intelligence provider Stirling Assynt predicts that "It is highly likely that further terrorist attacks against landside (airport) facilities will be attempted".

Meanwhile, world events have drawn attention away from the continuing possibility of another Mumbai-style hotel attack, but the threat remains, ARC will warn in its forthcoming Security Management Stage 1 Course, 14-25 March 2011.

Credit Card Fraud

2011-02-25T10:57:00.000-08:00

A third of us - almost 15m people - have been hit by card fraud over the past five years, according to new figures. It is a sharp rise on the 27% of British consumers that had fallen foul of fraudsters just 18 months ago.

ARC's best advice when travelling abroad: Always carry cards from more than one issuer in case your card gets cancelled by your issuer as a result of suspicious activity. It hurts and there is no appeal!

Read more.

Are You Ready for Global Change?

2011-02-25T10:52:00.000-08:00

Climate change, extreme energy price volatility, water security, fragile states, food security, organised crime – these are all high probability/high impact scenarios predicted for the coming 10 years by the World Economic Forum in its 2001 Global Risks Report.

Strategic risk management forms one of the key foundations of the forthcoming Security Management Stage 3 Course, 16-27 May. Click here for details. Other topics addressed include kidnap, espionage, corporate social responsibility, malicious contamination, counterfeiting, terrorism, stakeholder engagement, business expansion, security intelligence, and dealing with protest activity.

Click here to go to the WEF 2011 report.

Global Kidnap Hotspots - and Ransom Costs

2011-02-25T10:37:00.000-08:00

Kidnap and ransom trends are in constant flux, with Somali piracy and Mexican kidnapping on the upswing, while hostage-taking in Colombia and Iraq is in decline.

Click here for an overview of global kidnap trends with estimates of the numbers of foreigners taken captive every month, compiled largely with information from London-based risk consultancy AKE Ltd.'s quarterly kidnap and ransom report.

To discuss kidnap awareness programmes, contact Janet. ARC, through its partner red24, conducts one-day general awareness workshops, in addition to detailed First Responder workshops.

Personal Security - At Home, On the Street, While Traveling

2011-02-25T10:31:00.000-08:00

For expatriates living overseas, the most serious obstacle to personal safety is an attitude of complacency or fatalism. "It can't happen to me" and "if it's going to happen, it's going to happen" is dangerous thinking.

Recent political events throughout the world are changing the threats you face. Today, the most prevalent threat you face overseas is crime.

A criminal attack against you or your family can take place anywhereost, as can a fire or other disaster. However, you can influence what happens to you by assuming more responsibility for your own security.

Protecting people at risk is one of 15 subjects covered on the forthcoming university-accredited Security Management Stage 1 Course, 14-25 March. Click here for details.

In the interim, follow this link to advice to make your life, and that of your family, safer.

How to Create Intelligent Security

2011-02-25T10:20:00.000-08:00

Risk is pervasive in the modern World and in many areas is increasing. Security intelligence should drive security operations in order to focus operations on the most urgent issues, generate enhanced effectiveness in the design and delivery of risk mitigation strategies and solutions and deliver cost savings across the function. Security Intelligence = Intelligent Security.

The new Developing Intelligence in a Corporate Security Environment course (click here for details) is intended for security managers or security operators and advisors in a range of industry sectors which face significant threats from adversarial elements. It is designed to deliver understanding and capability enhancement of the advantages to be gained by using high-grade intelligence relating to threats to the people, assets, operations and reputation of a company. Using realistic scenarios drawn from experience gained in the corporate environment, the course will impart understanding of the value and effective employment of a security intelligence capability in the routine execution of business operations and corporate decision making.

The course is built on best practice and a vast amount of experience in both the government and corporate sectors. Experience in this functional area has recently been gained in oil and gas in the African and Middle East environments as well as in other sectors in Europe. However, the course is not specific to any one sector or geographical region. The processes taught can be applied to any data set and any environment, allowing the course to deliver value to the widest possible audience.

The course will deliver knowledge of how best to conceptualise, design, create and operationally manage such a capability. It will also examine the challenges and responsibilities that come with such a capability and offer guidance and solutions that allow business leaders to manage them. This course will offer delegates the opportunity to take advantage of experience gained while delivering an end-to-end solution for one of the World’s largest companies in two of the most hostile operating environments.

The Real Risk of Losing your Laptop

2011-02-25T10:14:00.000-08:00

Headline points from Intel:

- According to a new study, more than 300 US businesses and other organizations lost more than 86,000 laptop PCs worth a staggering $2.1 billion.

- The majority of these companies with significant amounts of confidential data on their mobile PCs do not take advantage of even basic security practices.

- Transportation venues, such as airports and train stations are not the riskiest places; seemingly safe locations, such as homes and hotel rooms account for more than 40 percent of laptop disappearances.

- Workers face up to a 10 percent chance of losing their laptops, depending on the industry they work in.

Laptop security is discussed during the Information and IT Security Workshop, one of 15 subjects that make up the forthcoming Security Management Stage 1 Course, 14-25 March 2011. Click here for details.

Protecting against Terrorism

2011-02-25T10:03:00.000-08:00

A man from Portsmouth has gone on trial to face seven counts of collecting information that could have been used to prepare or commit acts of terrorism. Take care what you are keeping on your computer!

Protection against Explosive Devices is one of 15 subjects covered on the forthcoming Security Management Stage 1 course, 14-25 March. For details click here.

In the interim, keep up to date with UK government best practice in protecting your business against terrorism by reading the Protecting against Terrorism manual.

Business Crime Prevention Advice

2011-02-25T09:54:00.000-08:00

Crime prevention is one of 15 subjects covered during the forthcoming Security Management Stage 1 course, 14-25 March, UK. For details click here.

Good business crime prevention advice can be found at the website of the Thames Valley Police, click here.

BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Security Coordination or Management

2011-02-25T09:30:00.000-08:00

On Friday 25 February, 10 delegates from UK, Georgia, Estonia, Saudi Arabia & Nigeria 'graduated' with their Edexcel BTEC L4 Professional Award in Security Coordination and Management.

This one-week introductory security management programme is ideal for the multi-hatted manager, perhaps an HSSE Manager, or for a security manager who doesn't have the time to attend the more comprehensive university-accredited Security Management Stage 1 Course.

Forthcoming BTEC Level 4 SCM courses:

UK, 5-9 September
Dubai, 5-9 June
South Africa, 6-10 May, 10-14 October
Nigeria, 6-10 May

Forthcoming university accredited (postgraduate level) Security Management Stage 1 courses:

UK, 14-25 March, 8-19 August, 14-25 November
Dubai, 10-21 April
Singapore, 16-27 May
Kenya, 16-27 May
Nigeria, 3-14 October

For content details of the Security Coordination and Management Course, click here.

For content details of the Security Management Stage 1 Course, click here.

Enquiries or to make a booking, email Janet.

Breaking Security News

2011-02-25T02:07:00.000-08:00

Follow ARC and breaking security news in real time on Twitter. Download the Twitter app to your mobile phone or log in on your PC. Get your personalised Twitter ID now before somebody else bags your name!!

If you need help in setting up your account, contact David.

PSP Programme about to Begin

2011-02-25T02:04:00.000-08:00

14 candidates are provisionally signed up for ARC's 2011 ASIS Physical Security Professional (PSP) Certification Preparation Programme, beginning 1 March. The programme takes the form of 4 monthly distance learning tasks, followed by a one-week intensive classroom programme, 1-5 August.

If you are involved in the selection, specification, procurement, and project management of the installation of physical (electronic) security systems this is an ideal professional development certification, upon successful completion of which you will be entitled to use the post-nominal PSP after your name.

But it is not for the feint hearted. Despite 100% of ARC-trained candidates passing on first attempt in 2010, it is one of ARC’s most difficult and demanding programmes, requiring up to 40 hours of homework during the 4-month distance learning phase.

Contact Janet for more information.

Developing Your Security Management Potential

2010-08-23T23:24:00.000-07:00

Already this year, literary hundreds of security managers have studied security management with the ARC Training International Academy for Security Management. For the full-time security management professional ARC offers two options: university-accredited, interactive and highly-participatory security management courses - which can lead into an option to work towards an MSc Professional Practice in Corporate Security Management - or preparation courses for the ASIS CPP and PSP certifications.

Forthcoming university-accredited (postgraduate NQF Level 7) courses include (clickable links):

Security Management Stage 3, 6-17 September
Security Management Stage 2, 11-22 October
Security Management Stage 1, 15-26 November

For those who are required to conduct investigations, ARC can offer the following:

Investigating and Interviewing Skills, 25-28 October

If your work requires you to survey, the very practical (site-based) Security Surveying and Design Course, 20-24 September, is recommended.

If you have reached the pinnacle of security management, or have completed Security Management Stages 1-3, have a security management degree, or CPP, challenge yourself to participate in the very practical one-week BurrillGreen Masterclass in Strategic Security Management, 4-8 October, where you will be put through your paces across a range of “board engagement” scenarios under the guidance of two former multinational corporate heads of security. A unique opportunity – a unique challenge.

As always, Janet will be happy to provide all the details of any of the above programmes.

Kidnap – The Hostage Survival Guide

2010-08-23T23:00:00.000-07:00

Source: The Discovery Channel

8,000: the number of annual worldwide kidnappings.
$5,000-100 million: the range of individual ransom demands.
$500m: the annual global takings of the kidnap industry.
100%: the increase in kidnapping around the world in the last six years.
90% of kidnap victims are locals not foreigners.
21%: the number of hostages in Latin America who survive rescue attempts.
11% of kidnap victims are released without a ransom being paid, either through negotiation or because the abductors realise that no-one’s going to pay up.

For more go to: http://www.yourdiscovery.com/crime/kidnapandrescue/avoidance/index.shtml

Kidnap and Ransom: Initial Responders Course – November 2010

Delivered by red24 on behalf of ARC, this two-day course will provide you with a high level of practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to act confidently, objectively and effectively when protecting the physical integrity of your people and to provide you with the skills to act effectively as a ‘first responder’ if a kidnap or extortion event affects your organisation.

Course leaders:

Dr Rob Kennett MBE Former Deputy Head Metropolitan Police Hostage and Crisis Negotiation Unit.

Peter Young MBE Former UK police expert in hostage, kidnap and crisis situations. Helped develop the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) Anti Kidnap and Extortion Unit (AKEU), working closely with the business sector. Currently advises worldwide on kidnap and crisis management.

For more information email Janet.

Managing Security Risks in the Oil and Gas Sector

2010-08-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

ARC’s second annual Managing Security Risks in the Oil and Gas Sector Course has been a very successful event for the 11 delegates attending. Represented were some of the biggest oil and gas enterprises from Angola, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, and Pakistan, as well as the UK nuclear power industry, which shares some of the key point concerns of its critical infrastructure partners in oil and gas.

The course covered security risk analysis, community engagement and human rights, activism, managing militancy and terrorism, oilfield and pipeline security, offshore security, refinery security and retail security, and culminated in a project in which delegates presented a five-year strategic security plan for a notional oil and gas project.

Next year’s Managing Security Risks in the Oil and Gas Sector Course will take place 18-22 July 2011, immediately following the Security Management Stage 2 Course, allowing delegates to take advantage of a specially discounted package to attend both courses. For more details, contact Janet.

Maritime Security and Choke Points - The Mystery of the M-Star

2010-08-20T05:42:00.000-07:00

Choke points are narrow waterways through which vital maritime trade passes, and as such are attractive to terrorists wishing to cause disruption and economic damage. The points include (but are not limited to):

The Malacca Straits
The Straits of Hormuz
The Bosphorus Strait
The Suez Canal
The Panama Canal

There is much debate surrounding what happened to the Japanese tanker M-STAR in the Straits of Hormuz on 28 July 2010. The vessel, laden with 200,000 barrels of oil, was travelling to Japan via the Straits of Hormuz, when there were reports of an external explosion, causing a large dent in the side of the vessel.

For conflicting accounts of the attack, go to the following links:

http://www.seatradeasia-online.com/News/5937.html

http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/20100804_dispatch_ongoing_questions_m_star_case

Security Managers Now Surpassing all Previous Records

2010-08-20T04:52:00.000-07:00

Typical of comments following the recent Security Management Stage 1 Course were:

“One of the most enjoyable courses I have attended”.

“It was an extremely rewarding course”.

So how do we maintain the quality of our courses?

Delegates Assess Trainers: Of the 26 delegates who have attended the two recent postgraduate-accredited, core-skills Security Management Stage 1 courses, 25 students rated the course as “excellent” and 1 student rated it as “good”. This typifies the feedback on what is now the world’s most popular course in security management, which has been undertaken by hundreds of security managers worldwide.

Trainers Assess Delegates: The number of delegates achieving a Distinction grade in the end-of-course examination has risen for each of the past five years. This year over 80% of delegates have achieved this; a significant feat considering the examination is closed book, and Distinctions are awarded only to those delegates who score 90% and over!

ARC Training - Securing Your Success!

For details of the Security Management Stage 1 Course click here, or contact Janet.

Web Attack Knows Where You Live

2010-08-20T04:47:00.000-07:00

Source: BBC

One visit to a booby-trapped website could direct attackers to a person's home, a security expert has shown. The attack, thought up by hacker Samy Kamkar, exploits shortcomings in many routers to find out a key identification number. It uses this number and widely available net tools to find out where a router is located. Demonstrating the attack, Mr Kamkar located one router to within nine metres of its real world position.

IT and Information security is covered in depth on the postgraduate accredited Security Management Stage 1 Course, a core-skills security management programme undertaken by over 100 security professionals worldwide every year.

For details of the course, click here, or contact Janet.

Is There a Role for Private Security Industry in the United Kingdom’s Strategy for Countering International Terrorism

2010-08-20T04:43:00.000-07:00

Email received from Corneius Wussah:

I am currently working on my MSc Dissertation and will require assistance to help complete my questionnaire via the ARC community. The topic of my Dissertation is, "Is there a role for private security Industry in the United Kingdom’s Strategy for Countering International Terrorism (CONTEST)?"

If possible, I would be very grateful if you forward the questionnaire link below to my colleagues via your ARC alumina and mailing list.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/P2H22K7

10th ASIS International European Security Conference & Exhibition, 2011

2010-08-20T04:41:00.000-07:00

The 10th ASIS International European Security Conference & Exhibition will take place in Vienna, April 3-6, 2011. The call for presentations is now open. Outside the US, this is probably the best security management conference in the world, and ARC would be delighted to see you there.

Coordinating Security in Nigeria

2010-08-02T05:05:00.000-07:00

“Nearing the end of their Security Coordination and Management course in Lagos, Nigeria, these delegates ponder over the details of the final exercise, preparing for their management presentations the next day. Representing a wide range of security functions, their roles include personnel protection, field operations, administrative and general security management. This group graduate on Friday 30th July.”

Credit Card Fraud - The Hotel Risk

2010-07-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

One of the points raised in the Business Travel Workshop which takes place as part of Security Management Stage 2 is the risk of business executives on assignment overseas having their credit cards compromised and then being arrested and missing their flight because they do not the funds to pay for their hotel bill. Ironically, it may be hotel which is the source of the card details compromise!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/06/business/06road.html?_r=2

Even ARC’s MD, David Cresswell, has had his business credit card cancelled by the issuer while abroad, due to suspected fraud on his account. To add insult to injury, he was then the next day stranded overseas by the Iceland volcano! He avoided languishing in a Spanish jail because he had personal credit cards with him as a precaution. The best advice is to instruct all overseas travellers to take more than one card, keeping one for emergencies only.

The next Security Management Stage 2 Course takes place in the UK, 11-22 October 2010. Click here for details, or email Janet.

Time to Get Your Masters Degree in Security Management

2010-07-08T00:24:00.000-07:00

If you have completed Security Management Stages 1-3 now is the time to get your post-course tasks submitted to David if you wish to be eligible for the university September intake. David will be compiling the list of September distance learning entrants later in July. If you think you can be ready in time, please contact David immediately.

The next university intake will be in January.

Bringing University-Accredited Security Management Training to You

2010-07-08T00:18:00.000-07:00

Postgraduate university-accredited courses such as Security Management Stage 1 have now been delivered in over 10 different countries, in Europe, The Middle East, The Indian Subcontinent, SE Asia, and Africa.

Sometimes the courses are conducted as “open” in conjunction with local partners, and other times they are arranged directly with a specific client. Either way, you can be assured that the courses are run to the same high standard by the same, fully-qualified security management trainers you will be familiar with from our UK courses.

To discuss how we can bring such training to your company, or country, contact David.

ASIS Physical Security Guideline

2010-07-08T00:10:00.000-07:00

The ASIS Facilities Physical Security Measures Guideline identifies the main physical security measures that can be applied at facilities to safeguard or protect an organization’s assets—people, property, and information. It outlines eight main categories of physical security measures used to protect facilities: physical barriers; physical entry and access control; security lighting; intrusion detection systems; video surveillance; security personnel; security policies and procedures; and crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED). The emerging field of security convergence is also addressed.

All ASIS Standards and Guidelines can be downloaded from the ASIS Bookstore.

Physical Security is covered in detail on the core-skills, university accredited Security Management Stage 1 course. For details click here or email Janet.

The World Economic Forum Has Published Its Fifth Annual Global Risks Report

2010-07-08T00:06:00.000-07:00

By consulting a group of experts and academics across the world throughout the year and relaying their findings in this annual report, Global Risks 2010 seeks to provide political and business leaders with a framework for further discussion of a risk landscape that is ever more complex and urges a consideration of the longer term, global implications of risks in areas beyond their immediate focus.

The report can be downloaded from http://www.weforum.org/en/initiatives/globalrisk/Reports/index.htm or by emailing David.

This report is one of a number of risk management publications that will be examined in the Corporate Risk Management session of the strategically-focussed Security Management Stage 3 Course, 10-21 May 2010. For course details go to http://www.arc-tc.com/pages/university_acredited_sm.asp#sm3 or email Janet.

A Timely Reminder about the Insider Threat

2010-07-07T23:59:00.000-07:00

A British Airways worker was arrested in March on suspicion of raising funds for a terrorist attack. The alleged plot to raise funds for a terrorist attack – possibly on an airline – is thought to have been uncovered following a tip-off.

The employee was among 800 staff dealing with passenger bookings in one of BA’s two UK-based call centres. Staff can access to details of thousands of flights and are familiar with basic security procedures.

A useful guide on how to manage the risk of insider threats can be obtained from the website of the the UK's Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure.

To access the document, click here.

Choosing the Right Lens for Your CCTV Camera

2010-07-05T00:44:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Boundary Surveillance Ltd

One of the difficult problems when setting up a CCTV system is choosing the right lens for your cameras as different lenses give different fields of view, and different levels of zoom. Some of the higher-end lenses also offer features such as Auto-Iris, and manual zoom/focus adjustment. Choosing the wrong lens can lead to a camera monitoring too small an area, or conversely not having enough zoom to capture events with clarity.

CCTV is covered in detail on the postgraduate-level university-accredited Security Management Stage 2 course. The next course takes place in the UK 11-22 October 2010. for details click here for the ARC website or contact Janet.

How to Earn the MSc Professional Practice in Corporate Security Management

2010-07-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

Many of the delegates attending the Security Management Stage 2 course presently are actively working towards a Masters degree in Professional Practice in Corporate Security Management. The knowledge input for the degree is delivered on Security Management Stages 1-3, which constitute three accredited modules out of the total 6 that make up the degree.

On successful completion of Security Management Stages 1-3, delegates then enrol as distance learning students of Middlesex University with which they undertake a transitional module, then a research proposal, and finally a 12,000 word dissertation.

Roger Coutain, BP Trinidad and Tobago, is the first ARC delegate to be awarded his degree.

For more on the scheme, contact David.

Security Scanners at Airports - Use Set to Increase

2010-07-02T08:19:00.001-07:00

Security Scanner is the generic term used for a technology that is capable of detecting objects carried under clothes. Several forms of radiation differing in wavelength and energy emitted are used in order to identify any object distinct from the human skin.

In aviation Security Scanners could replace walk-through metal detectors (capable of detecting most knives or arms) as means of screening passengers because they are able to identify metallic and non-metallic objects including plastic and liquid explosives.

When a Security Scanner clears a person, in principle no further searches or screens are necessary. Today walk-through metal detectors' weakness in identifying non-metallic items require screeners to undertake full body hand searches in order to achieve comparable results, as was demonstrated on 25 December 2009, when a passenger attempted to blow up Northwest Airlines flight 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit with explosives hidden on his body.

Security Scanners are controversial, in both their need to expose passengers to radiation, and their ability to see the body form under clothing, and the European Commission has reported on this issue to the European Parliament. To access the full report, go to:

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air/security/doc/com2010_311_security_scanners_en.pdf

New Maritime Security Magazine and Association

2010-07-01T22:45:00.000-07:00

Letter from Peter Cook, former delegate on Security Management Stage 2......

David,

I was a student of yours when I did the Security Management Stage 2 Course and Fraud course with Chris Taxis in July 2007. I have moved on and I am now an Independent Maritime Security Consultant. I am in the process of setting up the Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI) and as part of that we are publishing a magazine focused on maritime security (attached, with links below).

http://www.em-defence.com/PDFs/Maritime_Security_Special.pdf

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1n71t/MaritimeSecuritySpec/resources/index.htm?referrerhttp://www.yudu.com/item/details/141342/Maritime-Security-Special-

Intruder Alert: 'Smart Dew' Will Find You!

2010-07-01T22:35:00.000-07:00

A remarkable invention from Tel Aviv University — a network of tiny sensors as small as dewdrops called "Smart Dew" — will foil even the most determined intruder. Scattered outdoors on rocks, fence posts and doorways, or indoors on the floor of a bank, the dewdrops are a completely new and cost-effective system for safeguarding and securing wide swathes of property.

For more information, go to: http://www.physorg.com/news157288786.html

ARC’s Biggest Course is Underway

2010-06-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

Security managers from a wide range of industries have joined together to attend the Security Management Stage 2 course currently being held in Goring-on-Thames in the United Kingdom. These 30 security professionals make up the biggest course of any kind that ARC Training has run to date.

This number of delegates brings both advantages (a wide range of experience and knowledge) and challenges (how do you get 30 security managers in one room to watch Brazil vs. Chile World Cup football after work?).

With representatives from a wide range of industries, government bodies and NGO’s coming from countries as far apart as Brazil and Pakistan, this group presents superb opportunities for interchange of ideas and opinions and, ultimately, a great learning opportunity. Amongst the languages on the course are: Portuguese; German; Arabic; Ibo; Swahili; Russian; Kazakh; Polish; Hausa; English; Dutch; French; Urdu; Kalabari; Afrikaans and Shona. And yet, everyone shares the same goals – to improve their professional security skills. The course is being led by Barry Vincent MA, MSC and Peter Horsburgh CPP, PSP

UK Threat Assessment of Organised Crime

2010-06-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

This very detailed report, covering how organised criminal networks are structured, drug smuggling, people smuggling, fraud, firearms, technology enabled crime, illegal migrant workers, organised vehicle crime and emerging threats, can be downloaded from http://www.soca.gov.uk/threats/organised-crime-groups.

The report is packed with valuable data that can help inform a corporate security risk assessment programme.

Workplace Crime Prevention is one of 15 subjects covered on the Security Management Stage 1 Course, a university-accredited programme conducted several times a year around the world by the ARC Training International Academy for Security Management.

The next Security Management Stage 1 Course takes place in the UK, 2-13 August 2010. Already attended by almost a thousand security professionals worldwide, details of this very popular course can be found at http://www.arc-tc.com/pages/university_acredited_sm.asp#sm1, or by emailing Janet.

Managing Security in Outsourced and Offshored Environments

2010-06-29T08:21:00.000-07:00

If you need a working knowledge of the security management issues surrounding outsourcing and off-shoring of information processing and management systems,a guideline from BSI may be what you are looking for:

http://shop.bsigroup.com/en/ProductDetail/?pid=000000000030207795

Even if you have no prior knowledge of the subject, the focus of this British Standards book on the practical along with the specialist aspects of security management will give you a firm grounding in outsourcing solutions.

Information and IT Security Management is covered in a one-day workshop, 9 August and 22 November. Contact Janet for details. If you are a CPP seeking recertification credits, ask for discount.

Explosives Detection

2010-06-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

When selecting a portable explosives detector, do ensure you choose a model capable of detecting the now widely-used home-made high explosive TATP, such as:

http://www.dpl-surveillance-equipment.com/19021792200.html

Anything less may leave you perilously exposed if you are at elevated risk of being the target of a terrorist bomb.

The company featured in this link is not specifically endorsed by ARC. The purpose is to bring your attention to the equipment only.

Which Country Has the Highest Murder Rate, Lebanon or Northern Ireland?

2010-06-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

The answer can be found at http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2009/oct/13/homicide-rates-country-murder-data

Security Experts Gather in Nairobi

2010-06-28T02:58:00.000-07:00

Security experts from power distribution, telecommunications, government and banking have gathered in the Kenyan capital Nairobi to attend the core skills Security Management Stage 1 Course under the guidance of David Cresswell.

Although many of the participants are from policing and military backgrounds, most have not previously attended formal security management training, and expectations are high. During the first session - security risk management - participants engaged actively, enthusiastically applying the basic principles of risk analysis and management to their individual work situations.

Many of the delegates are keen to attend further courses in security management and to eventually work towards the ARC/Middlesex University MSc Professional Practice (Corporate Security Management).

The next Security Management Stage 1 Course takes place in the UK, 2-13 August. For details contact Janet or go to http://www.arc-tc.com/pages/university_acredited_sm.asp#sm1

Enhance Your Prospects as a Security Professional

2010-06-24T22:42:00.000-07:00

For the full-time security management professional ARC offers two options: university-accredited, interactive and highly-participatory security management courses - which can lead into an option to work towards an MSc Professional Practice (Corporate Security Management) - or preparation courses for the ASIS CPP and PSP certifications.

Forthcoming university-accredited (postgraduate NQF Level 7) courses include (clickable links):

Security Management Stage 1, 2-13 August
Security Management Stage 2, 11-22 October
Security Management Stage 3, 6-17 September

For those who are required to conduct investigations, ARC can offer the following:

Investigating Fraud in the Workplace, 20-22 July
Investigating and Interviewing Skills, 25-28 October

If your work requires you to survey, the very practical (site-based) Security Surveying and Design Course, 20-24 September, is recommended.

If you are specifically interested in security risk mitigation in the oil and gas sector, then you should consider the Managing Security Risks in the Oil and Gas Sector Course, 16-20 August.

Finally, if you have reached the pinnacle of security management, or have completed Security Management Stages 1-3, have a security management degree, or CPP, challenge yourself to participate in the very practical one-week BurrillGreen Masterclass in Strategic Security Management, 4-8 October, where you will be put through your paces across a range of “board engagement” scenarios under the guidance of two former multinational corporate heads of security. A unique opportunity – a unique challenge.

As always, Janet will be happy to provide all the details of any of the above programmes.

ARC Celebrates its First Middlesex University MSc Graduate

2010-06-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Roger Coutain, Manager - Security & Crisis Management for BP Trinidad and Tobago LLC, for being the first ever ARC student to graduate from Middlesex University with the award of the MSc Work-Based Learning Studies (Corporate Security Management). Roger has just been informed that he has been awarded a merit grade, which is a terrific achievement.

Security Management Stages 1-3 constitute a pathway towards this degree - now renamed MSc Professional Practice (Corporate Security Management). For more information contact Janet.

We are eagerly waiting to see who graduates next.....

Can You Guess How Many Security Professionals Are Attending the Forthcoming Security Management Stage 2?

2010-06-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

So large is the forthcoming Security Management Stage 2 Course beginning next Monday that, for the first time ever, it will actually be two courses, conducted by Barry Vincent MA MSc, and Peter Horsburgh CPP PSP. No less than 30 delegates from all over the world are expected to arrive on Monday 28 June for this very popular two-week advanced training programme.

ARC's First Security Management Stage 1 Course in Kenya

2010-06-24T11:14:00.001-07:00

David Cresswell will be travelling to Africa this weekend where he will, for the next two weeks, be conducting ARC’s first ever Security Management Stage 1 Course in Kenya, in conjunction with ARC’s Southern Africa partner AMC International. The course, attended by 13 delegates, will include nationals from Kenya, Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

How to Dramatically Increase Your Chances of Passing the ASIS CPP and PSP Certifications

2010-06-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

Almost all candidates who follow the ARC preparation courses for the ASIS CPP and PSP certifications pass the examination first time. A recent candidate comment reflects the type of support that we can provide in helping you pass these difficult examinations:

“I would like to thank you for a great course and am sure I would not have passed if it wasn't for your patience and teaching.”

For more information on how to become an ASIS-board certified security professional, contact David.

Convert Your CPP or PSP into a University Postgraduate Certificate

2010-06-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

ARC hopes to be able to announce in the near future a partnership whereby those security professionals who are ASIS-board certified (CPP or PSP) will be able to “convert” their award into a university postgraduate certificate in security management or security design. More details to follow as they are worked out. Contact David.

Congratulations

2010-06-01T23:26:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Richard Bird PSP, who successfully passed the ASIS Physical Security Professional Certification this week. Richard joins an elite group of less than 1,000 security professionals worldwide who are “board certified” in the specification of physical security systems. For more information on how to become Board Certified in Security Management or Board Certified in Security Systems Specification, contact David.

We Aim to Please

2010-05-28T01:25:00.000-07:00

Recent email....

(Yes, she is!!)

RIBA Guidance on Designing for Counter Terrorism

2010-05-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

The Royal Institute for British Architects has produced guidance on designing in counter-terrorism security measures. This is an important document for security managers involved in the project management of new builds in an environment where terrorism is a risk.

The document can be downloaded from:

http://www.architecture.com/Files/RIBAHoldings/Communications/Press/General/RIBAguidanceoncounterterrorism.pdf

Case Study - Security Awareness Training

2010-05-18T07:38:00.000-07:00

Company x is a world-leading global technology and controls group operating in the areas of industrial automation, rail transportation and appliance controls.

Recently, a new corporate security director was hired, and his first task was to create a global security management system. Effective security management systems depend more on people and less on physical controls, and so the need for awareness training and staff engagement was quickly identified. Taking the core security principles developed by the corporate security director as a basis, David Cresswell has written a two-day training programme.

After a successful roll-out in Spain in April, David is now in Missouri, USA, to conduct a second programme for company EHS&S leaders from the USA and Mexico.

Call for Presentations for ASIS ME Conference 2011 (20-22 February 2011, Bahrain) and ASIS Europe Conference 2011 (3-6 April, 2011, Vienna) Now Open

2010-05-18T05:39:00.000-07:00

If you would like to participate as a speaker, click on the link below:

http://www.asisonline.org/education/programs/callForPresentations.xml

Taking One Step Ahead

2010-05-18T04:27:00.000-07:00

During the recent earthquake in Haiti, a little called Ornichléel, daughter of a colleague of former-ARC student Bob Craft, lost her leg. Now Bob is helping her and her family on the road to recovery.

As recent delegates to ARC courses will know, we now have a charity box and are raising funds to help Ornichléel re-establish some form of normal childhood.

Left is the latest picture of Ornichléel, who this week is in New York with organisation “A Step Ahead” having her artificial leg fitted. The trip, and the new leg, is paid for by people such as you, who donate generously to the charity box during courses.

As she grows into an adult, Ornichléel will need artificial leg replacements, and with your help we plan to continue supporting her throughout her transition into adulthood.

For more on "A Step Ahead" and Ornichléel, go to http://www.astepaheadonline.com/

The Bribery Act 2010 - Time to Revise Your Procedures?

2010-05-17T13:35:00.000-07:00

The Bribery Act 2010 has been introduced in the UK to provide a new, modern and comprehensive scheme of bribery offences that will enable courts and prosecutors to respond more effectively to bribery at home or abroad.

The Act:

- Creates two general offences covering the offering, promising or giving of an advantage, and requesting, agreeing to receive or accepting of an advantage

- Creates a discrete offence of bribery of a foreign public official

- Creates a new offence of failure by a commercial organisation to prevent a bribe being paid for or on its behalf (it will be a defence if the organisation has adequate procedures in place to prevent bribery)

- Requires the Secretary of State to publish guidance about procedures that relevant commercial organisations can put in place to prevent bribery on their behalf

Security managers working for UK companies should ensure that relevant procedures and guidance are in place for all employees. For more information, go to: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/bribery-bill.htm