Issue 67 - Threat Detection by Circuit Magazine

News

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Reviews

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Opinions

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Intel

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Exclusives

THE SILENT LANGUAGE OF

THREAT DETECTION UNIFIED PROTECTOR Ι AVOIDING JOB SCAMS Ι RAISING THE 1BAR

contents ISSUE 67 04

UK Foreword

US Foreword

Industry News

Deciphering the Unified Protector Something New or Reinventing the Wheel?

Raising the Bar Training & Standards in Private Security

Cybersecurity Fundamentals Christmas Gnomes & AI Disinformation

Threat Detection Identifying Hostile Intent in Crowds

Photography For investigators and Protectors

Tactical Medicine Beyond the Basics

Career Advice Job Scams in the Security Industry

RANE Featured Asseessment Ecuador Gang Violence

Professional Development Adding Impact & Value through Higher Education

A Different Arena of Success Transitioning from Operator to Business Owner

Global Situation Report

Industry Events

100

Keeping Your Edge Are the Demands Worth it?

36 82 62

EDITOR FOREWORDS

UK FOREWORD Having just entered another exciting year, I can't help but reflect on the eventful and insightful experiences that have shaped our industry.

The year of 2023 was marked by several significant milestones, among which the developments and discussions arising from some amazing events / security conferences I have been in attendance at have been particularly noteworthy. Such gatherings, whether experienced in person or through the insights of fellow professionals, have become essential touchpoints in our industry, offering invaluable insights and connections. Engaging with these events, in any capacity, is vital for staying informed and connected in our ever-evolving field. Reflecting on 2023, it's clear that the landscape of our industry is ever evolving. We've seen technological advancements and regulatory shifts that have both challenged and enhanced our operational capabilities. The insights gained from forums like the IPSB, CP World and CP Tech Forum conferences are not just enlightening; they are instrumental in keeping us ahead of the curve. These gatherings are more than educational—they're a nexus for innovation and collaboration, fostering a community where expertise and experience are shared generously. 4

As we wave goodbye to 2023, a year filled with its own set of highs and lows, I encourage everyone to set their sights on 2024 with enthusiasm and readiness. It's time to strategize and contemplate - where can you enhance your skills, what objectives can you aim for that will elevate your position in the industry? Regardless of whether you're an individual or part of a business, striving for continuous improvement, progression, and learning is key. On a personal note, I plan to leverage the energy, knowledge, and networks I've accumulated to turn 2024 into a landmark year of personal achievement. Let's kick off the year on the right foot, establishing a tone for what follows, and embracing the mindset that anything is possible. Concluding this foreword, I want to extend my best wishes to our friends and colleagues who are currently stationed in regions around the world facing unrest and turmoil. Here's hoping for a quick and peaceful resolution to all the ongoing conflicts in the world. Stay safe Shaun West Editor

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EDITOR FOREWORDS

US FOREWORD Is it me or does it feel like time is speeding up? 2024 is here, and I can swear it doesn’t feel like a year since the last time I wrote the ’23 kickoff Foreword. Regardless, as the saying goes, time waits for no one, so that means that we have to lace our boots up and get out, and get active. Active for the contributors of The Circuit Magazine mean continuing our mission of researching and producing content that appeals to the global protection community. The fact that a writer from Johannesburg, South Africa can deliver an article that could positively impact Protectors as far away as Iowa City, Iowa, speaks to the undeniable value of this network. Honestly speaking, the magazine is just one tributary flowing from The Circuit Media, and within it, we try and cram page after page of news, tips, tactics and information

designed to make you, at a bare minimum, at least a percentage point better then you were before you began your read. (Let’s see how the Instagram cat videos and Tic Tok dances compare to that!) At the end of the day, the real MVP’s of The Magazine are our readers. The fact that for over a decade we have been able to serve the marketplace with integrity makes us extremely proud. So without additional delay, I can say that I’m ready to tackle any and every thing this new year has in store for me, and the best part about it is I have a worldwide network of professionals who can relate. Elijah Shaw Editor 7

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67

Industry News At A Glance

We cast our eye over the main stories impacting the security industry. Here's what's appeared on the radar since the last issue.

UK Grants Sanctuary to Afghan Special Forces Allies After Policy Reversal In a pivotal decision by the UK government, approximately 400 Afghan special forces soldiers, who collaborated closely with British forces against the Taliban, are now eligible for sanctuary in the UK. This reversal follows investigative reports revealing the dire situations these soldiers faced, including torture and murder, after being initially denied assistance. These soldiers, part of the elite Afghan Commando Force 333 and Afghan Territorial Force 444, known as the Triples, were

previously overlooked by the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap) scheme. Their plight highlighted the urgent need for recognition and support due to the risks they and their families continue to face. Campaigners and veterans have welcomed this move, urging a swift process to ensure the soldiers and their families' safety. This decision represents a significant shift in policy, recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of these Afghan soldiers and their families, and addresses the urgent need for their relocation and safety. MORE>>

INDUSTRY NEWS From Defeating Federer at Wimbledon to Fighting Russians in Ukraine Sergiy Stakhovsky, once a top-31ranked tennis player known for his upset over Roger Federer, faced a life-altering decision in early 2022. Retired and settled in Budapest, his world was upended by news of Russia's impending invasion of Ukraine. Advising his parents in Kyiv to prepare for the worst, he confronted a grim reality: the scarcity of ammunition, symbolizing a nation bracing for conflict. Torn between his family and homeland, Stakhovsky faced a gutwrenching decision. Understanding

yet furious, his wife Anfisa told him, "You cannot go because you have three kids. It’s irresponsible." Yet, Stakhovsky felt compelled to leave his family and join the Ukrainian resistance, a decision he described as "disastrous" and "the toughest decision I ever made." “I represented the country throughout the 18 years of my career,” Stakhovsky says. “I stood up for the anthem. I sang the anthem. I went to the Olympics. Everything which gives you that attachment, [that] emotion is there in me.” MORE>>

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67

Floyd Mayweather Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Assault by Bodyguard

Martinez's phone.

Martinez cites ongoing physical injuries, mental suffering, and Eduardo Andres Torres Martinez is emotional distress, seeking unspecified damages from suing Floyd Mayweather, alleging the boxing icon ordered a bodyguard Mayweather, his company, and to assault him at a Yard House the Yard House. This legal action follows a prior battery report by restaurant in Los Angeles on February 10, 2022. Martinez, although law enforcement sources reported conflicting witness accounts. Mayweather's The lawsuit claims Mayweather's entrance caused a disturbance, representative stated he left the crowded venue, denying any prompting Martinez to record the event. Allegedly, Mayweather incident. signalled a bodyguard to confront Martinez, resulting in physical MORE>> assault and an attempt to seize

INDUSTRY NEWS AI dominates security megatrend for 2024 Artificial Intelligence, perhaps unsurprisingly, has emerged as the megatrend for 2024. According to a Security Industry Association (SIA) report, ninety-three percent of industry leaders expect generative AI to support their business strategies fully within five years. Meanwhile, 89% are already cooking up AI projects in their R&D departments. The report, which surveyed the who's who of the security industry, points out three main headaches with AI: trust, ethical use, and cybersecurity. ‘You're F**ked': Security Guard's Big Win Due to his curiosity, security guard Noel Barron found himself on the receiving end of less-than-diplomatic communications from Management. Mr. Barron's curiosity about a company merger and who would be signing his paycheck resulted in his CEO, Michael Hilferty, informing him, “You are going to be sacked.” Which was later followed up with, “You’re getting one in the post, you’re f**ked!”

Forty-eight percent of security solution developers are betting big on generative AI impacting their strategy, and 74% say their firms are heavily invested in AI research. But as AI becomes more accessible and popular, the call for regulatory guidebooks grows louder. For security professionals, this trend underscores the need to stay ahead in the AI game, ensuring we harness its powers responsibly while navigating the new challenges it brings to the cybersecurity landscape. MORE>> clearly violated the Unfair Dismissals Act. Barron received compensation of €20,336.43. MORE>>

After being furloughed due to COVID-19, Barron finds out his employment was terminated over "gross misconduct." Meanwhile, his former colleagues return to work at the newly merged company. The WRC adjudication officer, whose job was to untangle this messy web, noted the conflicting signals sent by Hilferty regarding Barron's employment status. He concluded that Barron's dismissal was "entirely unfair" and

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 Private Security Guard Shoots Woman he Was Paid to protect On New Year's Eve, an 88-yearold woman in Encino, Los Angeles, was shot in her home by an armed private security guard, Kaion Ciego, 34, who mistook her for a burglar. Despite the guard's arrest for negligent discharge of a firearm, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office has deferred charges pending further

investigation. The victim, who hired ACS Security for her protection, was hospitalized in stable condition after being shot once in the torso. The guard, responding to a burglary alarm, believed he was confronting an intruder due to the woman holding a silver object, leading to the tragic misidentification and shooting through a window. MORE>>

INDUSTRY NEWS Prince Andrew will KEEP his police bodyguards following review of his security detail in wake of Jeffrey Epstein scandal A federal investigation has determined that Professional Security Consultants Inc. – a Los Angeles-based security company that provides officers for shopping malls, schools, hotels, hospitals, office buildings and gated communities – repeatedly exposed its employees at the Boise Towne Square mall to workplace violence hazards and failed to follow its own procedures for interacting with armed individuals to enforce the mall’s code of conduct.

following the fatal shooting of an unarmed security officer on Oct. 25, 2021. OSHA cited the company for not instituting controls to protect security workers from hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. the agency proposed penalties totaling $14,502.

Who’s protecting Who’s protecting Who’s protecting YOU, while you YOU, while you YOU, while you protect others? protect others? protect others?

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration initiated an inspection

“Professional Security Consultants’ policies and procedures did not effectively address the risk of gun violence, a recognized hazard in the security services industry,” said OSHA Area Director David Kearns in Boise. “Every worker has the right to a safe and healthful workplace. This employer must provide enhanced safeguards and training to ensure workers have the knowledge and tools to better protect themselves against assault.”

Source >

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CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67

Deciphering By Michael Wagg

the Unified Protector A New Addition to protective Security Details or Just Reinventing the Wheel? 14

DECIPHERING THE UNIFIED PROTECTOR I had never heard the term Unified Protector before, so maybe I am behind the curve.

safety of prominent figures. As societies evolved, so did the methods of protection.

We are told in the article that: “the 'Unified Protector' isn't your average Joe with a fancy title. This guy is the Swiss Army knife of security, juggling cyber threats and physical risks while glueing together all those previously isolated departments”. But to me that doesn’t sound like the new “superhero” it is made out to be.

Fast forward to the modern era, close protection gained prominence during the 20th century with the rise of political instability and global conflicts. World leaders recognized the need for dedicated security personnel, leading to the formalization of bodyguarding as a profession. This transition marked the beginning of a specialized field within the broader security landscape.

In the ever-evolving landscape that is Close Protection, the term "Unified Protector" has surfaced, claiming to be a game-changer in the industry. However, is this a genuine addition to protective security details, or a reinvention of existing roles?

As technology advanced and threats diversified, so did the responsibilities of Close Protection Professionals. The advent of the digital age brought new challenges, including cyber I would like to examine the threats, making the role more necessity of the Unified intricate and demanding. Close Protector, its potential as a Protection expanded beyond distinct role, its relationship with physical security to encompass traditional close protection (CP) a holistic approach, involving duties, and its applicability across risk assessments, intelligence the security spectrum. gathering, and cybersecurity. The roots of Close Protection can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where individuals were appointed to ensure the

Close Protection, has transformed into a multifaceted profession encompassing various domains such as 15

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 Royal Protection, Presidential Protection, Dignitary Protection, Executive Protection, often including Corporate Security, the birth of the UHNWI and Celebrity/ Entertainment Security. The evolution of Close Protection reflects the ever-changing landscape of threats and the need for adaptive security measures.

Change, embraced when beneficial, raises concerns when implemented For all involved at whatever level, for its sake alone. “Risk Mitigation/Management”, There is an is basically the necessity that drives our industry. However, ever-increasing the bigger the team the more departmentalised it becomes and tendency of specialist roles are often created, newcomers to these could be short term, one job, or extended and sometimes compare the continuous integration within the teams. security industry to their previous Change, embraced when beneficial, raises concerns when professions. Things implemented for its sake alone. are never quite There is an ever-increasing tendency of newcomers to that simple! compare the security industry to their previous professions. Things are never quite that simple! In an earlier article titled "The Unified Protector – Swiss Army Knife of the Security Industry," the concept is introduced as 16

DECIPHERING THE UNIFIED PROTECTOR a multifaceted role, adept at handling both cyber threats and physical risks while bridging previously isolated departments. However, is the Unified Protector even a protector, necessary or maybe a completely different entity, another “Silo”, (the accounts dept)! It sounds more like Hank from the mailroom (old fashioned and maybe a little to quaint for the modern world). Hank, personally knew Mary in accounts and Sally in HR and if your wages were late, it was better to talk to Hank than your line manager because he could chat to both Mary and Sally in passing and sort it out, usually without a big fuss!

Often a master of their trade having spent years learning the intricacies of their working environment, cultivating contacts in all walks of life. Learning to deal with police liaison, paparazzi, hotel security, carpool managers. Are these not the skills required of our “unified protector” for example. Or am I completely missing the point, and if so, what is the point?

Is it that the “UP” has better communication skills to manoeuvre in the CP world at the executive, CEO level? Or that he has a greater understanding of the modern technologies that are ever more present in the protection industry? Is this not what seasoned CP Or maybe it is ‘just’ that his ‘professionals’ do daily? The title offers an elevated status, ability to break down silos and making “getting things done” communicate effectively across a a resistance free operation? broad spectrum seems inherent Maybe ‘all of the above’, and to the profession, rendering the maybe much more. We just don’t need for a Unified Protector know yet. questionable. I have to question whether Is not an ‘Individual Bodyguard’ the term is merely a new label a unified protector by default, for a role that already exists collecting and collating data from in the form of the adaptable all sources to provide the best and versatile CP ‘professionals’. possible service to their client? These individuals, like Swiss 17

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67

army knives, cover a range of skills crucial for protection, of which the interaction and communication with various and varying entities is but one. Or do we have to address another far more important “elephant in the room”. 18

Might the supposed need for a Unified Protector stem from a lack of proficiency among some security personnel, necessitating external intervention, or the integration into the teams of such a ‘professional’? And if so, would that be like accepting second best in CP staff,

DECIPHERING THE UNIFIED PROTECTOR and adding another level of management? Whilst all the time our industry claims to be striving to increase professionalism and raise the bar of those with their boots on the ground, so to speak. Or is it that the “Protection” part of our profession is yet again coming under attack from the snobbery of the soft skills department, removing the knuckle draggers another step away from the elite EP. I could question the necessity of this specialist to be another who doesn’t actually possess the skills needed to “Protect”, therefor feeling it necessary to create their niche within the industry and there is nothing wrong with that, is there?

our clients, they are fundamental to our success, correlating OSINT to pass to our teams, but are they protectors? My clients have PA’s, often several, who constantly protect them from unsolicited contact amongst many others things. Are they protectors? Is the “Unified Protector” a protector or another, very important cog in the “team-machine” that is EP. In my opinion a hierarchy, chain of command have always existed within the industry and the successful navigation thereof and this is what creates the professionals necessary for success in our working environment.

Could the real issue be the lack of diversity in employment Soft skills are super important opportunities, resulting in an I am not saying otherwise, influx of individuals seeking (although if you need special instant gratification without classes to learn them you may diverse experiences. Courses have chosen the wrong career). specializing in only one aspect of What I am saying is, so far, all I the security industries needs, and can take away from this is that CP preparing newcomers for direct ‘professionals’ already do this job entry into the EP, for example, exceptionally well. Could it be a immediately experiencing the jet lack of professionalism that has set lifestyle, without ever running created this niche!! the gauntlet of challenges experienced climbing the ladder. My cyber team definitely protect Whilst employers too often 19

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 complain about the lack of ‘soft skills’ that are generally honed during that journey? Diversity is, without doubt, a key component for professional growth and respect from our peers, and more importantly from those we protect. Should our emphasis be on nurturing a range of diverse skills under the CP umbrella rather than fixating on titles like Executive Protection (EP) as our goal? It is my opinion that professionals should prioritize gaining diverse experiences, building relationships, and understanding the intricacies of different security roles, before experiencing what some like to think of as the top tier. As if EP is a Tier 1 special operator within our industry, which I would strongly argue is a mistaken delusion that some suffer from. I seem to keep coming back to this: When our CP staff follow a well-trodden path of employment history, when they start at the bottom and work their way up, by the time they get to the top, in whichever of the specialities that form the CP family they 20

The “constant forward motion” I strive for is an advancement for the better of all, and not more division and snobbery in our extremely diverse working environment.

DECIPHERING THE UNIFIED PROTECTOR have chosen to pursue, they are naturally “unified protectors”. Professionals who have earned the right to sit at the top table and talk to the big boys. They are recognised as leaders and have no need for fancy titles. The “constant forward motion” I strive for is an advancement for the better of all, and not more division and snobbery in our extremely diverse working environment. With an ever-watchful eye on the future, the security community must continue the discourse on how best to navigate the evolving landscape of threats and challenges. In this ongoing dialogue, the lessons of history provide a solid foundation, reminding us that adaptation is inherent to the survival and success of one and all. Failure is not an option. It does however leave me

pondering: Should the ‘Close Protection’ part of our industry once again become elite specialists in the art of physical protection, leaving other specialists to perform their own tasks to the highest standards possible, supplying CP with the information they need to do their jobs? Are we expecting too much form individuals in a world where threats and danger have taken on so many different points of contact with our clients? Does any other industry require the individuals to perform so many tasks at such a high standard? Do we need a “jack of all trades” or the masters of one? Remembering that; “A jack of all trades is a master of none but often-times better than master of one”

Michael Wagg has been in protection industry for 41 years. He has travelled extensively and protected clients on five continents. Operating as an individual bodyguard and at government, multiteam, supervisory level. He was also responsible for developing the training course of CP teams protecting two South American Presidents. Find out more about Michael and the services he provides in Spain, Colombia and Ecuador at his website: https://insafehands.net/ 21

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 By Matthew Croxford

Raising the Bar: Critical Look at Training and Standards in Private Security

Five years ago, I started to see a trend that alarmed me in the Private Security Industry. 22

RAISING THE BAR After working alongside British and European Union missions as well as their contracted private security companies' staff, I noticed issues with the security requirements, the level of training, the missions' or programs' ability to control the hired company and its contracted security staff, and especially the lack of mandatory continuous training, complacency, and operational security in various core areas of work.

be demanding enough and identify the key requirements? So, when looking at multi-million Euro contracts per year, what are the customers paying for in terms of quality?

Defining the Minimum Credentials for a Qualified CPO Due to not knowing the answer, I started by trying to have an overview of different training centres in the UK and European countries, particularly regarding close protection. Although the With over 20 years of topics offered are similar, the consecutive experience in law training is not standardized. enforcement and security, Some of it is simply online, having operationally worked and in some instances, you in challenging environments just pay for the course, and such as Iraq, Afghanistan, the provider will give you the Kosovo, Kenya, and Somalia, I credentials to register as a understand well that the use of CPO. This diversity varies from private security is an advantage physical fitness to the required for public and private sector background and even training customers. This approach frees provided by companies that up more specialized operators are not fit for purpose. One and passes the mission security British company offers the element to another capable US Department of Defense entity. I have had the pleasure standards using contractors of working with some amazing overseas. What is missed is that people from several member it is designed for Federal US states who can fulfil exactly what contractors working with the the contract orders. But here lies DoD. So, the scope is wrong the problem: Can the customers from the beginning. 23

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 Despite an in-depth understanding of the fluid nature of the close protection and security world, I can also see a major operational difference between the US model of training Protection Officers and the British/ European way. The concern is having several contracted companies with similar practices, standard operating procedures, capacities, and capabilities. In the middle of a gunfight, the loudest noise you will ever hear is the click of a malfunction. Or relying on your partner or driver to be in a designated area, but due to their training, they are acting inconsistently. Both are avoidable incidents. Who Sets the Tone for Security? The Survey and Its Main Findings: The potential malfunction of coherence in capacities, capabilities, and requirements alarmed me, prompting me to reach out to my peer group and conduct a survey to get a snapshot of the state of play and hear directly from grassroots-level views. Despite efforts at the policy and 24

90% of respondents consider the current requirements and training for Close Protection officer positions unsuitable for High-Risk Contracts. (The UK SIA has echoed this) With such a high value indicated.

RAISING THE BAR legislative levels, much attention has not, to my knowledge, been paid to the voices on the ground - the operators and their views. Due to the sensitivity of the subject, I created an anonymous survey with a fixed set of 7 questions that I distributed to a security professional group of 4,107 members. Out of the stated number of members, 2,188 responded, equating to a 53.2% response rate. The questions were aimed solely at any close protection officer working on or previously deployed on an EU/UK mission or private contracts who would like to assist in this report anonymously. Of those who responded, nearly 50% defined and categorized themselves as senior-level experts (cross-examining responses, one may conclude they have over ten years of experience), and 10% defined their current job as directors of a company or country program manager. After analyzing the overall responses, it was found that 68% of the respondents had over ten years of experience

working on EU countries and UK/European Union mission contracts. 87% said they either worked or are now working in high-threat contexts. With a significant representation of experience and seniority, this background amplifies the survey findings and their value. The survey's main finding is that over 90% of respondents consider the current requirements and training for Close Protection officer positions unsuitable for High-Risk Contracts. (The UK SIA has echoed this) With such a high value indicated. We can conclude that according to this peer group, the training programs and requirements are not considered adequate. The survey did not capture full details of the reasons; however, indications suggest that this could be due to the ever-increasing kinetic attacks, the sophistication of complex attacks currently happening combined with the lack of training, lack of physical experience in highthreat areas of operations, or just that the protection officers lack knowledge and up-to-date experience. The 25

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 survey attempted to capture the training background to get more information on the most common profession and experience before predeployment training. Just under 50% of respondents had a military or law enforcement background, and just over 50% had a security background before receiving their Close Protection license. Before deployment to these "overseas" contracts, e.g., in 2016, the EU Parliament created a report that set a framework for the requirements for the private security sector. The report A80191/2017, titled "Report on

Private Security Companies," offers a holistic view regarding standards supporting the EU Member states (REPORT on private security companies | A8-0191/2017 | European Parliament [europa.eu]). The report highlights a major issue with the EU training model, the use and deployment of Private Security and outlines recommendations for correction. The Institute of Criminal Justice Studies also conducted a study. This paper, titled "Comparing Private Security Regulation in the European Union," states, "In response to the need for

RAISING THE BAR regulation of Private security, this industry is treated as a major business service sector." The paper reports a massive influx of private security officers but offers no evidence of any training being updated or expanded [www.icpr.org. uk]. Many personnel appear to lack previous high-threat environment experience or training.

73% stated that they had not been trained with a weapon system the whole time on Core Skill Competency To extract two core skill areas contract.

of security personnel in highrisk contexts – firearms and vehicles – the findings were as follows: Regarding training and qualification in firearms, over 90% stated that they are or were on an armed contract. Over 80% did not have to pre-qualify or re-qualify with firearms prior to or during deployment. The data indicates that a person can claim they are weapons trained but may not have fired a weapon in potentially years. With that said, we cannot draw a solid conclusion on the past staff training. There is currently no data to support whether the staff had a static qualification or a 27

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67

dynamic qualification to allow them to support a mission. A response that was echoed but not precisely asked as part of the interview questions was that 73% stated that they had not been trained with a weapon system the whole time on contract. I am concluding that this answer is a supplemental response to the question on requalification. It should be noted that I did not ask about physical fitness requirements, as this was not a factor for qualification on any contract I found to be employed. 28

Regarding vehicle training, just under 50% had vehicle training from the military, and just under 50% stated they had training from the public sector. Military vehicle courses, as opposed to a 4-day civilian driver's course, are vastly different. The vehicle dynamics of an armoured vehicle, driving techniques, driving in hostile environments, counter-ambush, and escape procedures cannot be mastered in 4 days. The responses generated are enough to identify that certain levels of fundamental issues are present.

RAISING THE BAR Although this is a snapshot in time, I believe it accurately portrays respected peers in the industry. Where Do we go From Here? One can always continue learning; however, our industry needs to follow this principle. Once we are qualified, we are done. Time downrange will give us what we need. But if you have only ever done a 4-week course in the UK or a 7-14 day course in the EU, do you truly know the scope of what you are doing? The fact that there are limited requirements on the skill set of the people working and just because they are hired makes them the experts in the field. As the survey indicates, there is undoubtedly coherence in the view that the training

programs and requirements are inadequate to support highthreat missions. A deeper study must be completed to see the actual dangers hidden in plain sight. We can no longer sit back and hope for the best—the loss of anyone circles back to the office that wrote the original tendering bid. The companies will provide the service one procured, making the most profit from the minimum standards. So, the question remains: Why can't they make a profit from higher standards? To fix this situation, organizations must implement a standing basic requirement and approach that sets a precedent with continuous dialogue with the industry.

Matthew Croxford, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer Myelin LLC. Myelin are a consulting company specialising in providing tailored services to businesses and organisations that operate in complex and unpredictable environments. Our expertise is in security, politics, law, governance and human rights domains as well as their interconnections. Myelin offer strategic and operational consultations, analysis, forecasting, advisory and planning services extending also to crisis management and conflict resolution, negotiation and mediation consultancy. 29

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 By James Bore

cybersecurity fundamentals

Cybersecurity, Christmas Gnomes, and AI Disinformation

In September an article took the world by storm, talking about Christmas gnomes being deposited in people’s gardens to test whether homes are empty or open to being burgled. Over the course of around 12 hours I followed this story as it made its way from the Mirror headlines, to most of the mainstream UK media, Australia, India, the US, and Germany. It may have reached other countries as well. I even had a few phone calls come in asking me to pop in for interviews to talk about the gnomes. That was what got me looking into it more seriously. There was only one problem 30

with the whole story, no one had bothered to fact check it. In fact, as far as I could tell as I was following its journey around the world, there was very little human interaction with the story at all. I talk a lot about mis- and disinformation, and this is part of the reason why. This particular story was mostly harmless (apart from spreading fear of course), but the fact it spread so quickly, so widely, without anyone tracing back to the source should start alarm bells ringing. Loudly.

CYBERSECURITY FUNDAMENTALS

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 What Happened? North Wales police had a report of suspicious activity by two men a few days before the story exploded. They were reported to be looking at people’s homes, and throwing items into gardens – including one soft toy gnome. There was even, briefly, a notice

on the North Wales Police website about it. For about an hour before it was taken down. So how did this suddenly flare up into worldwide news? As best I can tell, the first major story was on the Mirror, and came with a disclaimer which gives a big hint as

CYBERSECURITY FUNDAMENTALS

to what happened.

The gnome morphed from a single item from a bag into the main story, and even got itself described as a calling card for burglary teams.

Given every following article used the same picture, similar language and article structure, and was timestamped later the Mirror article seems to have been patient 0 in this. There may or may not have been human editorial review, but if there was then it was cursory at best and did not involve any research deeper into the story. The gnome morphed from a single item from a bag into the main story, and even got itself described as a calling card for burglary teams. From there, the similar language in every following article (including the foreign ones) suggest a lot of copying, possibly using automated tools in some cases. Once the story was spread wide enough, it effectively became accepted as true, and made the leap to radio and television as well as going international. What Does This Have To Do With Cybersecurity? During lockdown stories and conspiracy theories circulated about dangers of 5G networks, culminating in physical attacks on telco 33

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engineers and arson attacks against the transmission masts. There is evidence that these stories were deliberately amplified by hostile nation state actors, to sow chaos. 5G masts are part of our critical national infrastructure. For the price of a few Facebook posts a hostile power managed to radicalise domestic terrorists to attack critical national infrastructure during a worldwide crisis. A few months later another fake Facebook event about a nonexistent left wing protest managed to gather a gang of 200 right wing counter protesters, largely heavily armed, to a location in the US. The same hostile power is generally believed to have been behind this.

makes it even more alarming. It isn’t a stretch to imagine how this could be weaponised – and there are already signs of this having happened. Fake allegations about security flaws in companies, or in their software (or overhyped allegations in some cases) have been used to manipulate stock prices. Equally, conspiracy theories about high profile people are a staple of modern day social media culture and leave many of these people at high risk of attack.

Even spotting the mis- or disinformation isn’t especially useful, as knowing its false doesn’t help to combat its rapid spread. Instead anyone at risk of targeting with this sort of vector should seriously consider investing Fake news on social media is a big in reputation monitoring and enough problem in its own right, but management, linked tightly to any seeing how quickly we can have a physical protection they have to story full of misinformation spread ensure safety.

James Bore is an independent cybersecurity consultant, speaker, and author with over a decade of experience in the domain. He has worked to secure national mobile networks, financial institutions, start-ups, and one of the largest attractions’ companies in the world, among others. If you would like to get in touch for help with any of the above, please reach out at james@bores.com 34

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CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 By: Gary Simpson

The Silent Language of Threat Detection How we can use facial expressions and body language to detect hostile intent in crowds.

THE SILENT LANGUAGE OF THREAT DETECTION In the high-stakes world of security, the ability to detect and mitigate threats is vital. Often, the most valuable clues are not spoken, they are silently communicated through nonverbal cues. During our recent seminar, we delved into the subtleties of this silent language, providing valuable insights into how security teams can utilise it for threat mitigation, prevention, and risk reduction. From the subtle twitch of an eye to the tension in a person's posture, every detail matters. So, buckle up as we explore the unwritten language of threat detection. Intro Early on in my career, as a young "sprog" Marine, I was privileged enough to work in the Force Protection Troop for the monster Combat Logistic Patrols (CLPs) that were sent from Camp Bastion to resupply the various Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) around Helmand Province. It was here, during an introduction to a HUMINT course, that I was exposed to the practical applications that nonverbal communication (NVC) can have for the infantry soldier. Nonverbal cues and body

language are the unspoken but powerful signals that we all use to communicate our thoughts and emotions. From a raised eyebrow to crossed arms, these subtle movements convey a wealth of information that often goes unnoticed. However, understanding and utilising nonverbal cues can be the difference between life and death for security teams. One critical application of nonverbal communication in the security world is threat detection. By learning to read and interpret body language, security personnel can identify potential threats before they escalate. To understand NVC, we need a quick lesson in how our body and brain have evolved. As impressive as we are, we are simply hairless apes (hipsters included) who have learned to walk on two legs. We have been evolving for millions of years to adapt to our everchanging environment, and although this journey has taken us out of the trees and into space, our primal instincts remain. Our brain is constantly scanning our surroundings for potential dangers, and it is 37

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 through nonverbal cues that we communicate these threats to others. Understanding Nonverbal Cues for Threat Detection So, how can security teams utilise this silent language for threat detection? Here are a few key takeaways from our seminar.

Threats come in many forms, from con artists and social engineers Threats come in many forms, from con artists and social trying to gain engineers trying to gain access to buildings to drug mules access to buildings and smugglers who exploit vulnerabilities at our borders. to drug mules One of the most damaging categories of threat that face our security teams, though, is Hostile and smugglers Intent. who exploit Hostile Intent describes when vulnerabilities at an actor is motivated to cause physical and/or emotional harm our borders. to a person or group. This can manifest in various ways, and it's through nonverbal cues that we can often detect it.

We can use several data points to assess an individual for hostile intent, including their use of space (proxemic clues) and any biometric cues and markers (injuries, scarring, tattoos). Still, for this article, we will focus on Facial Expressions and a 38

THE SILENT LANGUAGE OF THREAT DETECTION expressions that last less than a second, can often give away true emotions and represent what we call "emotional leakage". Facial Expressions These are especially important to We've all heard the saying, "The look out for as they are difficult eyes are the windows to the soul"; this holds true in nonverbal to fake and often indicate a person's true intentions. communication. The face is one For example, someone feigning of the most expressive parts subsection of kinesics we call "Rehearsals".

of our body and provides a wealth of information about our emotional state. For security teams, understanding facial expressions can be crucial in identifying potential threats. Microexpressions, or brief facial

friendliness but with hostile intent may display a micro expression of anger or contempt while smiling at you. We use facial expressions to identify the emotions that are linked to Hostile Intent, mainly: 39

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 • Fear - Fear is the motivation for many attacks, and examples can be seen of people losing control due to fear in many conflict videos. • Anger - Often accompanied by a reddened face and tense muscles, anger can be an indication of hostile intent. When someone is angry, their limbic system is activated, which can lead to impulsive and aggressive behavior.

potentially indicating their hostile intent towards them. • Contempt - A feeling of superiority or disdain towards others can often manifest as contempt. This emotion is important to look out for when dealing with potential threats, as it may indicate a sense of entitlement and justification for an attack.

PAF and LAF Research has also uncovered two facial expressions that point • Disgust - This emotion may towards an imminent attack: seem out of place when the aptly named "Premeditated discussing threat detection, Assault Face (PAF)" and the "Loss but it is an important one to keep in mind. Disgust can be a of Impulse Control Face (LIF)", sign of someone's aversion to which was first recognised on John Hinkley Jr. (who attempted a particular person or group,

THE SILENT LANGUAGE OF THREAT DETECTION to assassinate President Reagan). Still, as security professionals, we see rehearsal behaviour when dealing with hidden or concealed Examples of the PIF and LIF can weapons and drugs. be seen below. These micro-expressions represent "emotional leakage", highlighting the presence of hidden emotion, which is important because we must ask ourselves:

These rehearsals can come in the form of subtle movements or gestures that indicate someone is mentally preparing themselves for an attack or a stressful action. For example, repeatedly reaching for an object or touching a pocket where a weapon may be concealed can be signs of a potential threat.

"Why are they ‘A’, feeling these emotions and ‘B’, trying to hide that emotion from you?" Understanding these subtle cues Security teams must be aware of is important, but let’s face it: micro-expression may make time these rehearsals and intervene before any attack occurs. for your enemy. Rehearsal Rehearsals are another key nonverbal cue for threat detection. Just like the name suggests, when actors rehearse their lines and movements, individuals who have hostile intent may also unconsciously rehearse their actions before carrying them out.

Typical rehearsal behaviour includes: • Placing/seating the item • Light tapping of the area with the fingers • Blading away from potential targets

• Using clothing to cover a certain part of the body Rehearsals are emotional leakage surrounding items that are • Practicing a draw related to stress or related to a stressful task. We see rehearsal • Simulating an attack behaviour when we think we have lost our keys or see signs We use rehearsals to spot that remind us of pickpockets. 41

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 appropriate measures to prevent potential threats. Stay vigilant and stay safe. Using NVC for Threat Mitigation Now that we understand some of the key nonverbal cues associated with hostile intent, how can we use this knowledge for threat mitigation? weapons in crowds, identify potential smugglers, and prevent attacks from happening. By understanding the nonverbal cues of rehearsals, security teams can effectively mitigate threats before they become a serious risk. In conclusion, nonverbal communication is an essential tool for security teams in detecting potential threats. Understanding facial expressions and rehearsals can help identify individuals with hostile intent and prevent possible attacks. By being aware of these subtle cues, security teams can effectively reduce the risk of harm and protect those in their care. So, the next time you see someone displaying a microexpression or rehearsing an action, trust your gut and take 42

First and foremost, training and education are crucial. Security teams should be trained in nonverbal communication to identify potential threats effectively. This includes understanding facial expressions, body language, and rehearsals. With proper training, these cues may be noticed and understood. Next, security teams should constantly remain vigilant and observe their surroundings. By being aware of potential threats, they can intervene before an attack occurs. Another important aspect is to establish a baseline for individuals in the environment. This means observing their normal behaviour and comparing it to any changes or deviations that may indicate hostile intent. It's also essential to consider cultural differences

THE SILENT LANGUAGE OF THREAT DETECTION potentially vulnerable or abusive people, as it helps to identify threats before they fully manifest themselves. As Security Professionals, we rely on our Becoming a better reader. intuition to keep us safe, and by NVC is all about understanding familiarizing ourselves with the the relationship we have with our inner thoughts and how they tell-tale signs of aggression and hostile intent, we can reduce are represented through our body language. It is important to the risks to ourselves and our principles. understand that our bodies are on constant send, transmitting information about our emotions The benefits go further than detecting hostile intent, though. and inner thoughts whether we We use it to spot smugglers, realise it or not. identify persons of interest, build But mistakes can be made when rapport with our clients and detect deceit. As a company, we read in isolation. We need SPG incorporates elements to apply context whenever we read; we need to ask "why" these of NVC into all of our courses, cues are being displayed and not including CP and HECPO, alongside our wider NVC-SE fall into the trap of focusing too (Nonverbal Communication much on the individual signs. for Security Environment) programme. If you are Conclusion interested in finding out more, NVC is an important tool check us out. for anyone who encounters and understand how nonverbal cues may differ among different groups.

Gary Simpson, a veteran Royal Marines Commando and Close Protection Officer, has developed and adapted techniques that focus on the use of Nonverbal Communication and Body Language within the security environment, particularly around Military, Law Enforcement and Close Protection. He is one of the Founders of Special Projects Group. He has developed and refined essential methodologies to enhance situational awareness, teaching vital skills such as threat detection, recognising distress signals, navigating language barriers, and identifying hidden weapons. Website: https://specialprojectsgroup.org/ 43

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR INVESTIGATORS By Orlando Wilson

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR INVESTIGATORS & CLOSE PROTECTION It always amazes me how many people in the investigation, close protection and even the media world can’t take decent photographs or videos.

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 Most cell phones come with cameras that can take decent stills, photos, and videos that are more than adequate for operational purposes, so there is no excuse why people can’t take photos these days.

are way more effective, versatile, and powerful than my old SLR and its accessories.

The issue with professional SLR cameras for investigations and close protection work is their size; walking around with an SLR camera and a large lens draws I regularly come across people attention, especially if you’re who have completed close protection and firearms courses pointing it at someone. For static or mobile observation posts, but have no clue how to take a half-decent photo or video. If you they have an application, but for everyday street use, their ask me what is more relevant, knowing how to use a firearm or applications are limited. Even back in the day, I tended to use knowing how to use a camera, I would say knowing how to use a zoom compact cameras a lot more than my SLR for no other camera is the priority. Knowing reason than that they were a lot how to use firearms may be more discreet. a required skill, but it’s not a priority for most people, and if taught properly, it does not take I have often heard experts telling long to get someone up to an OK their students always to buy the best equipment they can afford, operational standard. so don't go for the cheap option. I can understand this if you’re in a These days, photography is simple compared to what it used government agency or spending money that’s not yours, but I will to be, say, 20 years ago. Back in always say buy what’s adequate the day, you had to understand to get the job done. The issue such things as shutter speeds, exposures and film speed; these with buying equipment that will be used for operations is that it days, you can just point and will be banged around, abused, shoot. I still have my old stills and ultimately broken. Also, camera, a manual SLR with a remember, if you want to lend 300mm lens, an x2 converter to your cameras to those working boost it up to 600mm, a 28mm wide-angle lens and filters. These for you, they will not look after them; why should they? They days, most cell phone cameras 46

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR INVESTIGATORS didn't pay for them!

If you’re looking to sell your photos and become a professional photographer a $5000.00 camera maybe a good investment. If you spend $5000.00 on a camera hoping to get some surveillance work, then I will say you have been given some really bad advice!

Why spend $2500.00 on a fancy camera when you can get a decent refurbished cell phone for $200.00 that can do the job just as well? More money in your pocket, right? Of course, you will get better picture quality with a professional camera. Still, you must ask yourself how high of a definition you need the photos to be if you want to sell your photos and become a professional photographer. A $5000.00 camera may be a good investment. If you spend $5000.00 on a camera hoping to get some surveillance work, then I will say you have been given some really bad advice! Even if you're travelling, you can buy smartphones with decent cameras at airports or on the streets virtually everywhere these days. So, if security is an issue, you can buy a smartphone at an airport, use it to take what photos you need, upload the photos or video via a Wi-Fi hotspot, delete the pics/apps, and then dump or resell the phone before you leave the county, you don't even need a sim card. You must always remember to keep your online accounts and communication 47

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 team or considering putting in CCTV. In protective surveillance operations, the operative should always have access to Photography, both stills and video, has a lot of applications in a camera to help them identify investigation and close protection any opposition surveillance, suspicious people, or vehicles, operations; a picture can speak among other things. 1000 words! In the planning phase of close protection As I said earlier, photography operations, photos of locations, is an invaluable skill; photos facilities, hotels, hospitals, and videos are used to collect, obstacles on routes, etc., can be confirm, or reinforce other very useful. If you need to set intelligence. At a basic level, I up the security for a residence, photos of the perimeter, grounds always tell people working for me to get photos if they are visiting and buildings will be useful or watching a location to verify to when you are briefing your devices secure these days, but that's another issue altogether…

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR INVESTIGATORS the client that they have actually been there. A few years ago, we had a surveillance job on one of the Islands in the Caribbean; the target should have been there for business meetings but stayed in his 5-star hotel suite with his, let's say, secretary. The client doubted our story, claiming we must have been at the wrong hotel, etc., but we had video of the hotel, the suite door, room service trolls in the corridor, etc. This client had not thought about the timings for the job and would not listen to our advice, so they got what they asked for.

battery pack, charging cables,, etc. You need to know what to take photos of, but you also need to know what not to take photos of; for example, team members, clients, residences, safe houses, etc. Anything that could compromise an operation or leak sensitive information, always check the backgrounds of your photos; you might have something in there that you did not intend to have.

Types of photography • Documentation photography: This is used to The best way to learn how to take record printed documents; decent photos and videos is to go when doing this, ensure and start taking that the print is in focus and photos and videos. These days, readable. with digital photography, you don’t have to worry about the • Object photography: If you cost of developing film; if you need to photograph an object, shoot 100 photos and none are say a knife, try to get as much any good, then delete and take detail as possible, such as another 100, it costs you nothing. markings and serial numbers. Also, photograph the object When using a camera, think of it with an object of a known size, as a firearm; to get good photos such as a pen, lighter, or car or video, you need to be able to key, so those viewing it can get aim and shoot. Always ensure an idea of the object's size. when you're operational that, you have enough storage space • Identification photography: and battery life on the camera. This is photographing If you need extra,, make sure individuals or groups of people you have a spare memory card, 49

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to record their identity. The targets may or may not know they are being photographed; an example would be photographing groups of protesters who may later be a potential threat. If you’re taking photos of specific individuals, try to focus on faces, tattoos, scars, jewellery or shoes, or anything that can be used to identify them at a later date. • Location photography: This provides an overview of a location, security systems, possible surveillance sites, avenues of approach, access and exit points, vehicles on site, perimeter security, etc. This may be done covertly 50

or overtly for defensive or offensive purposes. The main issue I have seen with location photography is that people need to take more photos and tend to have a narrow focus instead including wideangle or panoramic shots, which can always be zoomed in on if anything interesting is identified. A good video sweep can be worth a ton of narrow stills. When taking video footage, describe what you're looking at and what direction you are looking at it from north, east, south, west, etc. This is essential as locations can look different when approached or viewed from different angles.

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR INVESTIGATORS

Surveillance photography usually involves some imaginative practices such as taking posed photos of individuals just to get what’s going on in the background or using the selfie camera on a smartphone to get photos or video of what’s going on behind you.

• Surveillance photography: Surveillance and countersurveillance photography is used to gather covert intelligence on individuals and locations, etc. Surveillance photography usually involves some imaginative practices, such as taking posed photos of individuals to get what's going on in the background or using the selfie camera on a smartphone to get photos or video footage of what's going on behind you. Where there is sufficient budget, remote cameras and drones can be employed. Most investigation or security operations will combine the principles from most of the above types of photography. For example, using photography in and advance security detail as part of a close protection operation to check out a restaurant that a client might visit could include: • Document photography: Photos of menus and venue evacuation plans • Identification photography: To record the type of crowd and key members of staff 51

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 • Location photography: Approach routes, overall venue, internal layout, bathrooms and exits, etc. Small details can be of great intelligence value, such as what shoes someone is wearing, what’s on the screen of a person’s smartphone, what the weather is like at a location, road surfaces, the flooring in a building or where the building's water tanks are. It's always better to have more photos and video footage of the target than to miss one critical detail. These days, for surveillance, it is best to take video footage as this is easier for most people, and if required, still photos can be taken from the video when editing.

copies if required. Ensure you save the photos in a file with a description of when and where they were taken. Photos from a route check done on a weekend afternoon may show light traffic on a road, but the same road could be congested at 0830 on a Monday morning. I think we can all agree there is no excuse these days for someone in the private investigation or close protection industry not to have access to a camera that can take respectable photos and video. My friends in Somalia take some brilliant photos and post them online all the time, so why can't you?

This is only a short article on an important skill in which I have When you have your photos and spoken about some key points. I hope it gives you a few things to videos, save them in a secure think about! location, online or on a hard drive. Save the originals and edit

Orlando Wilson has worked in the security industry internationally for over 25 years. He has become accustomed to the types of complications that can occur, when dealing with international law enforcement agencies, organized criminal and Mafia groups. He is the chief consultant for Risks Inc. and based in Miami but spends much of his time traveling and providing a wide range of kidnapping prevention and tactical training services to private and government clients. 52

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tactical medicine

Beyond the basics

Delivering The highest quality

Bear with me while reading this. There is an introduction to it, and I promise, it’s about medicine and provides FOOD FOR THOUGHT that you may want to take home and consider when training with your team. Within the executive protection industry, close protection or any governmental close protection, most practitioners aim for the highest level of support, service, and quality for their "clients". Or at least, they will claim to do so. Operators from former tier 1 units with the best training, vehicles and practices, and where nothing is too good for the client when the service is being sold. Reality might be different, and we all know this, but that is not the subject of this writing. For 54

argument's sake, let's consider that our industry aims to deliver the highest possible standards with everything we do. Why? Because we are talking about people’s lives, a lot of money (that sometimes translates to people’s lives) and, of course, the success of your company or livelihood. Within the scope of services that we provide, or at least we claim to have the capacity to provide, medical support to our clients is a star item (being it a

TACTICAL MEDICINE true medical emergency or a tactical situation that goes wrong, and suddenly, our pre-hospital trauma skills are needed). So, we talk about our TECC, TCCC skills, bleed control skills or even better, we talk about our on-duty tactical paramedic embedded

into the team. With this, you have the best money can buy and we've "got you covered". Who decides what the best and highest quality is anyway? Staying with medicine, who makes the "guidelines" over what

By Krisztian Zerkowitz

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 "the best and highest quality" is? Depending on who you ask and the current buzzwords for medical treatment/protocols, the team will claim to have qualified professionals in that field. Remember when First Aid was the only thing we were supposed to have, or at least that was the qualification that needed to be current? EVERYONE was proficient in first aid. When TCCC / TECC became more readily available, this became a thing, too, and now most will have it. In the UK, FPOS and FREC, whatever name they may have, are the 'must haves' for specific licenses. So, what is the highest quality of support we can have? An old Tier 1 medic with 15 years of experience but no current paperwork? A CP professional who does the course, gets his qualifications and has valid papers? An MD on the team with all the gear? Think about it, make up your mind, and follow your instincts, as you will probably make the right choice; you are a professional. Not the highest quality, but QUALITY BASICS! So, taking this back to medicine and being realistic, 99% of the time, your medicine support 56

Remember when First Aid was the only thing we were supposed to have, or at least that was the qualification that needed to be current? EVERYONE was proficient in first aid.

TACTICAL MEDICINE

will be bobology, *bobology = basic first aid, band-aids, and paracetamol, or, worst case, CPR. This means that, unless you are a CP officer who is a medical professional and gets plenty of exercise in the form of training and, of course, see real patients and thus practice life and death situations, your highest quality skills will be more paper-based than action-based skills. Even your bobology skills, the ones you use most, may leave plenty to desire as bobology training

(basic life support, basic first aid) are most of the time, not the highest quality because this training is usually for the masses and not considered life or death practice. But is this true? Being a BLS (Basic Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) instructor, I have noticed that the highest quality of practice should be on the basics if we ever want the patient to reach the stage where we can provide the highest 57

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 and a good comprehension of quality service in complicated medicine. (including TCCC / TECC). pharmacology, ECG recognition, etc. I will let you compare your job No matter what the cause, signs, and the different aspects of the job through a comparison within or symptoms, ACLS always starts with BLS. BLS consists of CPR the field of medicine, which, by (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), the way, should be part of your in the basics: Heart Massage and team's skill set, especially when working remotely or with a client Rescue Breaths. This is with or without a mask, and of course, that might have a medical risk calling the emergency number factor relevant. and getting an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) on site BLS and ACLS and the highest as soon as possible. It doesn't quality in the basics ACLS is an advanced protocol and matter if you have a full team of is not for everyone. First, because ACLS providers or even people who could start the ACLS protocol; it requires the administration it will always start with BLS. of medication, set up of IV lines

TACTICAL MEDICINE A quick explanation about this (as an example): 1. If a patient (e.g., your client) falls to the ground and you notice that they are not breathing and seems to be unconscious / unresponsive, you need to consider starting up BLS as fast as possible. a. If someone is not breathing and unconscious, we consider them to be dead. b. We need to ensure that oxygenated blood is circulated to the vitals as FAST as possible to avoid permanent damage.

4. When ACLS is set up, this is where the heart will have the possibility to “come back”? So, it becomes clear that BLS (the most basic of the basic) must be of the highest quality if you want any advanced skills (which you may have sold as your golden standard) to be of any use. There is a saying in ACLS: "BLS needs to be high-quality compressions with high-quality ventilation and oxygenation".

In most cases (depending on the region where you operate, etc.), your role will be that of the first responder. As the first responder, you will start up all the advanced 2. The first touch of a rescuer things that others will come and (you… the medic in the team finish. But that startup and those or the team member closest skills need to be of the highest to the incident) will mostly determine the outcome of the quality. Unfortunately, these basics, including First Aid and patient. CPR, are usually not provided at the highest level; they are 3. Therefore, a quick reaction and startup of BLS is extremely provided to the masses and are meant to provide the real FIRST important. If you are lucky, support, to be taken over by either emergency services, or professionals as soon as possible. your extraordinary team who is ACLS qualified and your MD If you are to provide the best in carries the meds, will start ACLS. But while they set up the your industry, the best quality equipment (including monitor, service, maybe you should not just look at what is happening at IV lines, advanced airway, and the highest spectrum but at what plan B airways) BLS needs to is happening in the spectrum in keep going and be… OF BEST which YOU operate and make QUALITY. sure you get the BASICS right! 59

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 The same goes for the ACLS course. If you are a medical professional and want to do the ACLS course but have neglected to be proficient at BLS, you will NEVER get your patient to the ACLS level. However, if you provide optimum BLS to your patient, the actual ACLS will be a breeze, and your patient will have a chance to survive with a little luck and come out on the other side with less damage.

put into practice the advanced skills you think you can do. Taking this back to medicine, be VERY efficient in the basics and be VERY good at providing basic first aid, and the chances are that you will never be able to use fancy stuff. As a tactical paramedic, I am not advocating for NOT having the highest spectrum of medical support available; if someone wants to pay for it - let them, IT'S ALWAYS GOOD TO HAVE!

BASICS BEFORE ADVANCED, QUALITY IN BASICS BEFORE BASIC Remember, it doesn't matter how TIER-1 your medical training is; QUALITY IN ADVANCED. make sure that you know how to apply a band-aid and how to Let that last sentence sink in for a minute. Connect it to what you provide true CPR because while intubating a difficult airway is do and your role, and think about how good your BASIC skills sexy if no blood is pumping around the body, that ET tube are. won't help anyone! TIER-1 your medical training is, In executive protection, we do make sure that you know how so many basic things daily that sometimes most of the things we to apply a band-aid and how to provide true CPR, because do (the basic things) we do from routine and just at an acceptable intubating a difficult airway is level. However, if when pressure sexy, but if no blood is pumped around correctly, that ET tube is applied, our basics fall apart, then we do not get the chance to won’t help anyone!

Krisztian was raised as a Diplomatic Close Protection Officer, working mainly for diplomatic missions, including assignments to the Middle East and Africa. Recently certified as a Tactical Paramedic, Krisztian spent the last 10 years of his protective career specialising in tactical medicine in high-risk environments and close protection. Two passions combined where enough remains to learn and experience. 60

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CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 By Denida Grow & Venessa Ninovic

Job scams in the security industry Lately, there have been a lot of reports from colleagues regarding job scams within the security industry with scammers posing as recruiters or hiring companies' employees offering a job and requiring candidates to pay fees using the justification of training costs, work visa, travel expenses, background checks, etc. Keep in mind that there are many people desperate to get a job and support their families, as well as the fact that they are operating within an industry that, in many countries, has no standards and is not regulated by official governmental authorities. This leads to a trend of lessthan-honest people who find an easy way to expand their 62

fraudulent activities and rip off our colleagues. ‘’ Fake Job or Employment Scams occur when criminal actors deceive victims into believing they have a job or a potential job. Criminals leverage their position as “employers” to persuade victims to provide them with personally identifiable

JOB SCAMS IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY information (PII), become unwitting money mules, or to send them money.’’ April 21, 2021, FBI Warns Cyber Criminals Are Using Fake Job Listings to Target Applicants’ Personally Identifiable Information Types of known scams used against security professionals • Advanced Fee Fraud or 419 Fraud In the security industry, this is a form of fraud where scammers posing as recruiters or hiring companies' employees offer you a job and require you to pay them

some of the fees associated with training, work visas, travel expenses, running background checks, etc. Typically, they offer you a very attractive job placement, with good money and great benefits. Some of them can monitor your online networking profiles, ''read'' your work needs, and offer you a package according to what they discover about you. When you put an ''Open to Work'' banner on your LinkedIn or a post saying you are looking for a job, be sure scammers are monitoring you. After they contact you, they

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 start extracting your personal information from you. They hope to obtain your full name, bank account details, PayPal information, Social Security Number, driver's license, and generally any other information they can use to get money from you. After they have gained your trust, they tell you that you qualify for their job, but in order to proceed, you will need to send them some money for either visa applications or criminal background checks. Some will require you to join and pay for one of their training courses, seminars, or conferences to be considered for hiring.

When a company is hiring for jobs that nobody wants, bad benefits, less money, or horrible working conditions, they believe they may be able to more readily • Employment/ Career scams convince someone Employment and career-related scams include companies to take the job if trying to sell you products or they discuss it with services and collecting your personal information to sell to a third party who will then try to them in person. market their products/services to you.

• Career Consulting Scams You may be contacted by "career consultants" who are impressed with your qualifications and want to represent you. In addition, you will have to pay for their marketing, resume writing, 64

JOB SCAMS IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY resume reviews, or other career-related services.

regarding the other job''.

• Phishing Scams • Recruiting Scams In this type of scam, you get an Recruiters may contact you email saying a company has saying they have clients clients with open positions that with positions you could be you could be qualified for, even qualified for, though they don't sending you the description have any current openings. of what could be a legitimate However, they then offer job opening: "Your online training sessions to purchase resume has recently come to that will enhance your my attention. I am impressed candidacy. They want to sell with your qualifications. A you their products/training, client of mine needs to fill an but there is no guarantee of opening, and because of your any employment. previous experience in the executive protection industry, • Bait and Switch Scams I believe you might be a solid With this scam, you apply match. In order to see the for a job and get called for full job description, just click an interview. During the on the link below or paste it interview, you discover into your browser's address that the job you applied for bar." Sometimes, you are also doesn't exist (or all positions given a code to enter. What's are filled). The company tries happening is this: You are to draw your interest to a directed to a link on a website, completely different position. where you fill out a form with ''When a company is hiring your contact information and for jobs that nobody wants, other personal information. bad benefits, less money, or This is an attempt to collect horrible working conditions, your personal information they believe they may be to sell your services or able to more readily convince information to a third party someone to take the job if or, even worse, you just they discuss it with them in opened your door to a virus person, so they mislead you being downloaded to your about one job until they get PC. If a potential threat actor you in for the interview and sends any links to you, search then talk to you in person for them on urlscan.io. This 65

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website may indicate whether it is malicious.

installation’’.

• Even if the company exists and Other common scam tactics to has a registered domain and look out for: a website up and running, you • Is there a sense of urgency? are emailing back and forth, If yes, consider it a red flag. and after some time, they ask Legitimate companies and you to pay them…stay away! recruiters won't push you to accept a job offer urgently. • If a recruiter asks to divert the messages to an encrypted • Pay attention if they use application like WhatsApp, attractive words and offer you Skype, or Telegram, this is of the job of your dreams. concern and could indicate a scam. • Be careful if you get asked to pay for any equipment • For example, view the job and send it to the address application scam below, they require for ‘’software derived from Reddit. 66

JOB SCAMS IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY • (https://www.reddit.com/r/ victims of employment scams in Scams/comments/wnsl67/this_ 2020, with losses totaling more is_a_scam_right/ ). than $59 million. In 2020, Texas reported 1,720 victims reported • If you have only spoken to one $4.5 million in losses. There were person in the company over 69 victims in El Paso totaling the phone and have yet to $721,600 in losses. As of March 5, meet or view anyone face-to2021, 2,349 victims had already face (even virtually), this could reported $5 million in losses be a scam. Most interviews nationwide, 244 victims in the have several individuals state of Texas with a loss of $1.5 present at the interview stage million. In El Paso, there were eight or in the second round of victims reporting $31,928 in losses. interviews. Midland/Odessa reported 10 incidents in 2020 totaling $71,500 • Scammers may primarily use and zero complaints in 2021. The phone calls and messages as average reported loss was nearly a means of communication, $3,000 per victim, in addition especially if they are to damage to the victims’ credit impersonating a CEO or scores.’’ Read the full press release recruiter online. It would here. be worthwhile to ask for a video chat instead to crossHow to validate a recruiter? reference the images online to When you want to properly the person you are speaking validate a recruiter or a company with. There has also been an employee, there are some simple increase in deepfakes used in steps to take where you can put video chats like Zoom, with a your open-source intelligence recent article recommending (OSINT) skills to the test. You that you ask the individual to can gather information on the turn their head to the side to company that they claim they determine if they are using this represent. It will probably take technology to impersonate you a few minutes to get the others. general idea by searching online public sources. Start by looking ‘’According to the FBI’s Internet carefully at that person’s LinkedIn Crime Complaint Center (IC3), account because, in this day and 16,012 people reported being age, almost every professional 67

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 has one. Do they have any activities (comments, posts, articles), or do they have any recommendations? Does their profile look real? Note that if the recruiter has a premium LinkedIn account, that does not mean that they are not a scammer. Look through their followers/following, see if there are other individuals in that company and whether these profiles look real, because if not, that might be a red flag.

this can generate different results, including Google, Yandex, Tineye, etc. If the image search does not provide any results, question yourself if the image convinces you. For example, would a woman with very provocative attire work for a professional law office or banking institution? Challenge your gut. It is also worthwhile to become familiar with deepfake images of people who don't exist from the website thispersondoesnotexist. com and to understand their features, as a profile image on LinkedIn could be derived from this website.

• Conduct OSINT on the recruiter/individual if you have suspicions. Unfortunately, scammers use common names to make this process difficult, so look for any identifying factors you can • Do research on the email find on their LinkedIn. For provided/linked with their example, if George Smith from account. Does the recruiter's Greece is offering you a role, email address match the you can do a Boolean search name of the company? on Google with the following: Typosquatting is a term for a "George Smith", "Greece", social engineering attack that "George Smith", "Company". uses misspelt domains in email Look for their other social addresses, so double-check media profiles and their digital the spelling of the company. footprint. If no results show, Is it a personal email address? that may be of concern. Search the email address in Google and Epieos and • Do a reverse image search on see what results are found. the profile picture. This can be Companies never use free done by saving/downloading email provider services like and uploading the image to a Yahoo, Gmail, etc.; they are search platform. It is helpful very easy to create. Say, for to use different platforms as 68

JOB SCAMS IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY

Does the recruiter’s e-mail address match the name of the company? Typosquatting is a term for a social engineering attack that uses misspelled domains in email addresses, so double check the spelling of the company.

example, someone presents themselves to you as Mr. John Adams, recruiter of our company LeMareschal, and the email he provided you was jalemareschal@yahoo. com; he is a fraud! • Additionally, when receiving an email, it may appear as "Amazon", for example, but be sure to also look at the email itself to examine the domain and email stem (eg. John.peter4563@amazon. me). This is another known phishing tactic scammers use. • If they give you a phone number, research that, too. Even a simple Boolean search may showcase other posts by victims stating that they have been scammed. If you feel comfortable, call them and ask relevant detailed questions about the role, see if they know the answers. For OSINT beginners, OSINT FRAMEWORK can be a great place to start with. It is a collection of OSINT tools to make your data and intel collection task easier and faster. The tool is used mostly by security researchers. 69

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 How to validate a company? • Does the company exist? Where is it registered? Does the company operate in the country of your recruiter?

• To search for the business website IP address, place the website into VirusTotal and the details section will provide you with an IP address (a string of numbers). You can then • Who runs the company? search for the address through IP Address Lookup, which will • Do research on the company’s provide you with a location reputation on the web, forums, (https://whatismyipaddress. etc. com/ip-lookup). Some scammers will use a • Look up the company website name for a fake company that is using the Wayback Machine very similar to a real company, to see previous versions of so when you research or ask the website. Are there notable around about the X investment changes to the contact details, or IT company, people will tell location, names, design or the you it does exist. Some will go About section? to great lengths and create an actual website and have a • Several companies have social registered domain (in most cases, media profiles. Look into the they have it under a private differing profiles they may registration). OSINT searches of have, when were these profiles the company and deep diving last active/created? Look into into the company website can be the history of the profile, valuable. We recommend you do the spelling of posts, the the following: terminology used and if the posts correspond with your • Check the domain name by knowledge and thoughts about placing the company website the company. in the Domaintools Who Is Lookup website, see who the • Pay attention to the company registrant is, when it was last name and the job they are updated, and if it matches offering. Only a few major and the company's name. Is the well-known companies hold website up and running, or ''good positions" especially does it lead to an ''under overseas. construction'' page? • Look for individuals on 70

JOB SCAMS IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY LinkedIn who are currently in that specific role or team, inquire about the role and ask questions. They may even reveal that they are not in the process of hiring at the moment. • Start asking your colleagues and network contacts if they know or have heard anything about the company and the person who contacted you. Raise questions asking for more information about them in security-related forums and networking places, then carefully evaluate every

answer you get. • Keep a record (Excel works fine for this) with companies you have applied to before, so if you get contacted by a company you haven't applied to, they may be frauds. They probably got your email information from different forums or networking places. How many cases do you know of people contacted out of the blue by hiring companies asking them to apply for a position with them? If they claim the company operates in a foreign country,

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 call the embassy in that country and ask them. The consulate office registers every company originating in its own country operating overseas (especially when it comes to security and protective services). How to run a simple and quick background check on a business? 1. Use the free web tools (search engines, http://www. ripoffreport.com/, Company’s pages on Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook) 2. Use Government Agency Resources (public records, court cases, business state registration and licensing, www.brbpub. com, Chamber of Commerce www.worldchambers.com, Export Bureau International Fraud Report http://www. exportbureau.com/fraud_ report.html 3. Best Business Bureau http:// www.bbb.org/ (Better Business Bureau makes company information public to consumers and applies an A to F grade to each company. Their core services include business ethics, truth in advertising, fraud prevention, 72

consumer education, business education, and dispute resolution between consumers and businesses.) 4. Start looking for an online reputation, complaints against it, credit history, and legal background. The most innovative company to provide business information is Dun and Bradstreet, which created a DUNS number–a nine-digit identification numberhttp://www.dnb.com/ 5. Determine what industry the business falls under and conduct a search for the governing agencies. 6. Search county court records, including property tax records. Your county court has public records available to search the company and its principals if they are involved or have been involved in a lawsuit. 7. Get a business credit report and background report (available from Dun and Bradstreet, Experian, Smart Business Reports, Equifax, and Lexis Nexis, fees range per report). 8. For foreign companies you can use www.skyminder.com

JOB SCAMS IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY

(which supplies online credit and business information on more than 50 million companies in 230 countries).

can't check on them, do not give them any of your information!!! 1. Do not reply to their e-mails or texts.

Sometimes, when you investigate people, the information will lead 2. Do not give any of your you to companies; when you personal information. investigate those companies, your information will lead you to 3. Do not send any payment or individuals; always compare and buy anything for them. run information on both. Make sure you NEVER provide them 4. Inform your colleagues/ with your personal information!!! networking contacts for that If you don't know someone or company/contact.

Denida Zinxhiria Grow is the Founder and CEO of Athena Worldwide, Athena Academy and Nannyguards. She is an experienced and well trained Executive Protection Specialist, Security Consultant, and Instructor with 18 active years in the private sector. She has been operating in different countries and cultures and has managed security teams of all sizes. She uses her personal experience to help others learn what it takes to master the ins and outs of the Security Industry and empower women in the security industry. Denida also holds a BSc in Counseling and Psychology. www.athenaworldwide.com www.nannyguards.com femalebodyguards.info Venessa Ninovic is an Intelligence Analyst working in law enforcement and has experience investigating fraudulent activity and threats online. In her spare time, she writes blogs about OSINT/SOCMINT, and intelligence analysis, sharing her knowledge to give back to the community. You can follow Venessa’s blog here & follow her on Twitter @intel_inquirer 73

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By RANE Worldview

Ecuador Declares 'Internal Armed Conflict' as Gang Violence Escalates In Ecuador, the declaration of a state of ''internal armed conflict'' will create near-term political unity, which will give the government the tools it needs to secure crime hot spots.

crisis and, over time, may erode legislative support for Noboa's economic reform agenda. On Jan. 9, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, who only took office in November 2023, issued an executive decree that ''recogniz[ed] the existence But major constraints on curbing of an internal armed conflict'' rising levels of violent crime will in Ecuador in response to likely lead to a protracted security escalating gang violence across 74

ECUADOR DECLARES 'INTERNAL ARMED CONFLICT' the country. His declaration of emergency as a reason for came after a series of violent their declaration of ''war.'' incidents earlier in the day, including one in which a dozen • On Jan. 9, a police officer gunmen stormed a state-owned kidnapped by gang members TV station during a live broadcast, was forced to read a statement taking multiple hostages. Gangs while held at gunpoint that also kidnapped multiple police read: ''You declared war, you officers and declared ''war'' on will get war.'' the country. The violence left at least 10 Ecuadorians dead. The • Multiple leaders across decree referenced international the region have expressed humanitarian legal norms as support for the Ecuadorian a means to use lethal force government amid the surge against the gangs, labeled 22 of gang violence, including criminal groups as ''terrorist Colombian President Gustavo organizations,'' and provided Petro and Bolivian President the Ecuadorian Armed Forces Luis Arce. Argentine Security with a mandate to ''neutralize'' Minister Patricia Bullrich also them. offered to send security forces to Ecuador to help fight the • The escalation in violence gangs. Fearing cross-border comes after the leader of spillover, Peru declared a the Los Choneros gang, one national emergency along its of the two most powerful northern border with Ecuador in Ecuador, escaped from and deployed troops to secure a jail in Guayaquil on Jan. 7. the area. Further afield, U.S. Responding to the outbreak Assistant Secretary of State for of at least six prison riots, Western Hemisphere Affairs President Noboa on Jan. Brian Nichols wrote that the 8 issued a 60-day state of United States was ''ready emergency, which curtailed to provide assistance to the freedoms of association and Ecuadorian government and movement, and imposed will remain in close contact a nationwide curfew. Gang with President Noboa'' in a members referenced the state post on X (formerly Twitter). 75

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 Geographic proximity to the region's top cocaine producers has made Ecuador a central node in drug trafficking operations, leading Ecuadorian gangs to accumulate power and weapons. Violence in Ecuador has skyrocketed since 2021. Located between Peru and Colombia, Latin America's two largest cocaine producers, the country has become one of the region's key hubs for cocaine trafficking. Criminal groups, such as Los Lobos and Los Choneros, have used Ecuador's main marine ports in Guayaquil and Esmeraldas to ship drugs to Europe, Asia and North America. This expansion of criminal activities has been possible largely due to the Ecuadorian gangs' partnership with Mexican and Colombian criminal enterprises, resulting in an accumulation of both financial resources and powerful weapons. Over the last few years, Ecuadorian groups have grown more violent as they've become further enmeshed in drug-trafficking supply chains, as evidenced by the country's homicide rate jumping from 5.7 murders per 100,000 people 76

in 2018 to over 40 murders per 100,000 people in 2023. Gangs run their operations from prisons across the country, where riots have become increasingly commonplace. In recent months, Ecuadorian gangs have escalated from transporting and trafficking drugs to using terror tactics, such as detonating improvised explosive devices (IEDs), publishing executions of police officers on social media, and conducting high-profile assassinations and kidnappings to provoke widespread fear across society. • Anti-corruption presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was assassinated in Aug. 2023 as he left a campaign rally. His suspected murderers were later killed while detained in a prison in Guayaquil. Increased security measures may enable the government to reduce violence in current crime hot spots, but will be unable to fully neutralize criminal activity to the extent seen in El Salvador. Noboa's efforts to combat crime — including authorizing the use of lethal force against

ECUADOR DECLARES 'INTERNAL ARMED CONFLICT'

Criminal groups, such as Los Lobos and Los Choneros, have used Ecuador's main marine ports in Guayaquil and Esmeraldas to ship drugs to Europe, Asia and North America.

gangs, the construction of large-scale prisons, and the designation of criminal groups as terrorist organizations — resemble strategies employed by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele as part of his government's ''war on gangs'' launched in March 2022. As part of this anti-crime campaign, authorities in El Salvador have arrested tens of thousands of people, successfully lowering the country's homicide rate in the process and making it one of the safest countries in the region, despite accusations of major human rights abuses. Ecuador's anti-crime efforts, however, are unlikely to achieve the same results. This is due primarily to the fact that, as of Jan. 9, there were over 20 groups that had been labeled ''terrorist organizations'' in Ecuador; the country's territory is also over 10 times larger than that of El Salvador and is less dense in terms of population. This will create serious logistical challenges for the Ecuadorian security forces in combating criminal activity and give Ecuadorian gang members ample space to evade government forces and 77

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 regroup. Unlike the two main gangs in El Salvador, Barrio 18 and MS13, most criminal structures in Ecuador are loosely organized and fragmented, which makes them harder to split. Furthermore, the interplay between criminal organizations across Ecuador and violent Mexican and Colombian drug-trafficking cartels, such as Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), could lead the transnational criminal groups to support their counterparts in Ecuador against government incursions through the provision of weaponry, or even reinforcements. • On top of logistical challenges, an investigation in late 2022 found that out of 57 police patrol cars in one of the most violent districts in Guayaquil, only 10 were operational — illustrating the weak capabilities of Ecuadorian law enforcement. • On Jan. 10, President Noboa estimated that the Ecuadorian gangs total roughly 20,000 members. Meanwhile, Ecuador's military has roughly 40,000 troops and 65,000 78

police officers, which will now be deployed to fight the gangs. The constraints to combating violent crime in Ecuador will likely lead to a protracted conflict in the country. While the government may be able to exert operational control over violent cities, such as Guayaquil and Esmeraldas, and reduce cocaine trafficking at the country's main ports, the profit-motivated criminal groups will likely continue to find ways to smuggle drugs and will occasionally target public officials. In the short term, violence between state forces and the gangs will intensify, which will elevate safety risks for Ecuadorians and travelers. The government will likely enhance security measures at ports to reduce the flow of cocaine, which will delay licit cargo shipments. In violent areas, businesses may be targeted and will probably reduce their hours of operation, given the curfew under the state of emergency. The declaration of ''internal armed conflict'' will promote near-term cooperation between President Noboa and

ECUADOR DECLARES 'INTERNAL ARMED CONFLICT' Ecuador's National Assembly, but a failure to severely curb the high-profile violence will open the door to renewed political divisions, which will risk stifling Noboa's economic reforms. Noboa's National Democratic Action party only has 14 of 137 seats in the country's national legislature, necessitating collaboration with opposition parties to pass legislation. Early

into his presidency, Noboa formed a loose alliance with former President Rafael Correa's Citizens Revolution Movement, which holds 51 seats, and the Social Christian Party, which has 18 seats, to pass some reforms, like a tax amnesty law earlier this year. In the short term, especially in the context of increased violence, Noboa will likely have an easier time working with the legislative branch to

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 pass a number of anti-crime policies. For example, the president proposed holding a national referendum in March that would re-ask Ecuadorians if they approved of the extradition of criminals (which was formerly rejected via national referendum under the previous president in February 2023). The state of internal war, however, may prevent such a vote from taking place, in which case legislators may decide to approve the measure independently. But while the conflict with gangs may initially solidify President Noboa's coalition, the alliance will grow more fragile over the coming months as individual parties carve out positions and mobilize supporters ahead of elections scheduled for 2025, in which Noboa will likely run. Failure to address the public security crisis before then will likely dim Noboa's re-election prospects and threaten legislative pushback against his contentious economic reform plans, which include reducing government spending and potentially cutting fuel subsidies, 80

to secure funding from international lenders like the International Monetary Fund. • Former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, whose Citizens Revolution Movement holds the most seats in Congress, called for national unity and declared his ''total and unrestricted support'' for President Noboa on Jan. 9. • Noboa was elected in November 2023 to finish out his predecessor Guillermo Lasso's term, which was cut short after Lasso dissolved the National Assembly in May 2023 and triggered early elections. Noboa's truncated term will only last until late 2025, when he will likely seek re-election. • Cutting oil and natural gas subsidies would be incredibly unpopular in Ecuador, but such reforms would likely increase the country's probability of securing international loans. For more articles like this go to : Stratfor Worldview >

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Higher Education for the Security Professional

By Craig Smith

‘Commonality and complacency within your continual professional development are the death of its progress’ - adding impact to your CV (Curriculum Vitae) and operational value through Higher Education. Embracing continual professional development (CPD) as a lifelong learning process is crucial in an ever-changing security landscape. Often, we are faced with questions about where 82

we invest our time and hardearned money with regards to education. To understand the answers to these questions we must first assign value. What is the training/qualification for? Does it

HIGHER EDUCATION FOR THE SECURITY PROFESSIONAL open new opportunities? Is it for interest only? Will it add value to operational performance/conduct? Or is it a tick box exercise? In many regulated sectors qualification and training events are mandated to ensure that operators within the sector are compliant and current with changes within industry. Training and education providers within the sector do an outstanding job at facilitating this sector specific requirement, and by doing so they support the workforce on an international scale. What then becomes a consideration is how do we stand out if we are all professionally the same on paper with regards to our qualifications and educational attainment? It is often difficult to understand the value that studying and obtaining higher education gives to our career prospects. The following may add insight – Enhanced Knowledge and Skillset: Higher education qualifications provide in-depth knowledge and specialised skills in a particular field. Employers value candidates who possess advanced knowledge and expertise, as it demonstrates their commitment to learning and their ability to apply their skills in the workplace effectively.

Competitive Advantage: A higher education qualification sets individuals apart from the competition in the job market. It highlights their dedication to investing time, effort, and resources into their professional development, making them more attractive to potential employers. In a competitive job market, having a higher education qualification can be a differentiating factor that helps candidates stand out. Demonstrated Commitment and Discipline: Earning a higher education qualification requires dedication, perseverance, and discipline. Employers value these qualities, as they indicate a candidate's ability to set goals, work independently, and complete long-term projects successfully. The commitment demonstrated through obtaining a higher education qualification can be seen as a predictor of future dedication and success in the workplace. Strong Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills: Higher education qualifications often involve rigorous academic study, research, and the development of analytical and critical thinking skills. These skills are highly sought-after by employers, as they enable individuals to effectively solve 83

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 Adaptability and Lifelong Learning: Higher education qualifications often foster a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. The ability to learn and adapt quickly to innovative technologies, methodologies, and industry trends is increasingly Expanded Professional Networks: important in today's rapidly Higher education institutions provide opportunities for students evolving job market. Candidates with higher education qualifications to connect and build relationships often have a solid foundation for with professors, industry experts, ongoing personal and professional and fellow students. These networks can be valuable for future development, making them more career opportunities, mentorships, adaptable to changing workplace demands. and collaborations. Employers may view candidates with higher So, how does this link to you, the education qualifications as having security professional? access to a broader network and potential connections that can Higher education often provides a benefit their organization. complex problems, make informed decisions, and think strategically. Having strong analytical and critical thinking skills can enhance one's employability across a wide range of industries and roles.

HIGHER EDUCATION FOR THE SECURITY PROFESSIONAL

Close protection specialists need to interact and communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders, as well as handle sensitive information discreetly.

comprehensive study of security principles, risk management, and threat assessment. This knowledge allows close protection specialists to better identify potential risks, assess and mitigate threats, and make informed decisions to ensure the safety of their clients. Higher education programs may offer specialised courses in areas such as strategic management, leadership, intelligence analysis, crisis management, or threat response. Close protection specialists can use these skills, enhancing their ability to manage complex situations and adapt their strategies according to the evolving security landscape. Staying ahead of their competition! Higher education often emphasises the development of effective communication and people skills, which are essential in the field of close protection. Close protection specialists need to interact and communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders, as well as handle sensitive information discreetly. Advanced learning cultivates analytical and critical thinking skills, which are valuable in close protection. Specialists must be able to analyse situations quickly, assess risks, and make informed decisions 85

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 to ensure the safety and security programs can contribute to longof their clients. Higher education term career success and growth. can enhance these problem-solving abilities. Overall, higher education qualifications provide close Credibility and Trust: Close protection specialists with a protection specialists with higher solid foundation of knowledge education credentials often and specialised skills necessary command greater credibility and for navigating the dynamic trust among clients, employers, and challenging field of close and colleagues. Completing a protection. Employers recognise recognised higher education the value of advanced knowledge program provides external and expertise, making candidates validation of the specialist's with higher education credentials capabilities and dedication to their more competitive in the job profession. This credibility can be market. instrumental in securing contracts or employment and fostering The barriers we face when studying positive relationships with clients. higher education are present only in our minds. Higher Education Networking Opportunities: Higher requires four A’s education programs provide • Academic Ability close protection specialists with opportunities to network and • Attendance connect with professionals in their field. These connections • Application can be invaluable, leading to collaborations, mentorships, Application makes the most job referrals, and access to a measurable difference between wider range of professional success and failure. If you are opportunities. The relationships prepared to commit and apply formed during higher education yourself, nothing is impossible! Craig Smith is an experienced professional with a solid foundation in security and police practices from his time with the West Mercia Police Force, now a distinguished educator in further and higher education. He specialises in teaching subjects related to security, terrorism, and teacher training. Now, as Head of Training and Development for Minerva Elite Performance, Craig manages educational programs, ensuring quality and stakeholder satisfaction, and has a proven track record in project management, making significant contributions to both security and education sectors. 86

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A Different Arena of Success By Shaun West

Transitioning from Security Professional to Business Owner: In the realm of security operations, success is often measured by the immediacy and effectiveness of response, the precision of risk assessment, and the personal trust built with clients. These skills, honed over years of diligent service, create a formidable security professional. However, does this expertise guarantee success in the world of business? This article explores the stark differences between excelling in security operations and thriving as a business owner, 88

highlighting that transitioning into business requires a distinctly different skill set. The World of a Security Professional Success in the security sector is not just about possessing specific skills; it's also about embodying

TRANSITIONING FROM SECURITY PROFESSIONAL TO BUSINESS OWNER a professional ethos. Core skills such as vigilance, attention to detail, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions are fundamental to effective security operations. Equally important are reliability and professionalism, which underpin every aspect of a security professional's role. They must be adept at rapidly and accurately assessing situations, often needing to make split-second decisions with far-reaching consequences. Moreover, establishing a personal rapport with clients, particularly when responsible for the safety of their families, is crucial. This direct service model fosters a unique clientoperator relationship built on a foundation of trust, reliability, and professionalism. Stepping into Business Ownership Entering the business domain introduces a new set of challenges and skills. Unlike the direct service focus in security, running a business demands proficiency in areas like financial management, marketing, strategic planning, and team leadership. A business owner must not only understand the nuances of their service but also navigate the complexities of business regulations,

market competition, and client acquisition strategies. This transition requires a mindset shift from being a service provider to becoming a strategic thinker and leader who can steer the business towards growth and sustainability. The learning curve can be steep but it is certainly not unsurmountable. My first foray into the business world was tough, I was successful as an operator and thought I would start-up my own venture and presumed that success would carry over. The transition was extremely hard and involved me having to continue to work as an operator for other companies whilst trying to get my business off the ground. I learned a whole lot of lessons and realised at that time my best option was to concentrate on my career as an operator where I was realising success and revisit the possibility of starting my own venture later down the line when I had spent longer in the industry and was more prepared. Changing Dynamics with Clients The leap from being a security operator to a business owner significantly alters client relationships. Where once the interaction was primarily servicebased, it now evolves into a 89

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 more multifaceted engagement encompassing various aspects like contract negotiations, service diversification, and customer service. Maintaining the delicate balance between the personalised touch of a security professional and the professionalism expected of a business owner is critical. It's about redefining and expanding the value offered to clients while preserving the trust and reliability they have come to expect. The great relationship you may have once had when working for someone will likely change when your role becomes a service provider as opposed to an operator and it doesn’t always change for the better. Bridging the Gap For security professionals aspiring to transition into successful business owners, bridging the skill gap is essential. This might involve seeking further education in business management, finding mentors, or engaging in business and mindset coaching. Understanding the dynamics of business and adapting 90

Understanding the dynamics of business and adapting to them without losing the essence of what made them successful security professionals is a balancing act.

TRANSITIONING FROM SECURITY PROFESSIONAL TO BUSINESS OWNER to them without losing the essence of what made them successful security professionals is a balancing act. It's also important to leverage their security expertise, translating it into a unique value proposition for their business. Around 60 percent of new businesses fail in the first 3 years, this is a huge statistic not to be underestimated when starting out on your own, it is this high because running a new business and everything that goes with growing a brand and bringing in business as a start-up is hard. Failing to prepare will increase the likelihood that your business will fail so make sure you carry out all the research you require to give yourself the best possible

chance of succeeding. Conclusion The journey from a security professional to a business owner is more than a career change; it's a transformation that requires new skills, perspectives, and strategies. While the two roles differ significantly, the discipline, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence in security can form a strong foundation for business success. With the right approach, ongoing learning, and adaptation, this transition can lead to a rewarding new phase in one's professional life. To obtain support with this transition please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Shaun West, an internationally accredited coach specialising in business and leadership, is committed to empowering both individuals and organisations in the security sector to navigate obstacles and achieve substantial growth. His career, marked by notable military service, transitioned seamlessly into the security field where he achieved remarkable success, including establishing a seven-figure security business, launching a leading magazine, and developing a popular career platform. Holding an MBA in Strategic Management and Leadership along with a degree in Security and Risk Management, Shaun's strategy focuses on tackling challenges, boosting personal performance, and fostering significant advancements in the security industry. E : sw@shaunwest.co W : www.shaunwest.co 91

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Global Situation Report ANALYSIS

Each issue our global geopolitical partner, Stratfor, provides an indepth analysis of global incidents via in-house experts, cutting edge technology and through a comprehensive globally sourced network. Here is your summary from the last 30 days.

Taiwan Four More Years of DPP Rule, Four More Years of Rising China Tensions What Happened: William Lai of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party won the island's presidential election with 40% of the vote versus 33% for Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang and 25% for Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party, who made concession speeches about 8 p.m. In the legislative race, the KMT will have 52 seats, the DPP 51 and the TPP eight. Why It Matters: Beijing has wielded increasing military coercion against the Taipei government under the DPP over the last four years and is expected to continue doing so over the next four years with Lai at the helm in Taipei.This will entail occasional risks of Chinese live-fire drills around Taiwan as well as economic coercion. >>> 92

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Ukraine, UK Kyiv and London Sign Agreement Establishing Bilateral Security Guarantees What Happened: On a surprise visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak signed documents establishing bilateral security guarantees between London and Kyiv.The British government said the agreement commits the United Kingdom to providing "swift and sustained" assistance for Ukraine's defense, including in the event Russia attacks it again. Why It Matters: KThe agreement makes the United Kingdom the first country to deliver a final agreement in line with Group of Seven leaders' pledge at the July 2023 NATO summit to formalize enduring bilateral security commitments to Ukraine.The United Kingdom intends the agreement to indicate its longterm support for Ukraine and thereby disincentivize Russia from continuing the war. However, because the United Kingdom's security commitments are framed in terms of a potentially higher level of support for Ukraine in a future conflict, Russia remains incentivized to continue the current war. >>> France Attal Unveils Reshuffled Government, Signals Tilt to the Right What Happened: France's newly appointed Prime Minister Gabriel Attal unveiled his new Cabinet, Reuters reported on Jan. 11. Attal appointed the 93

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Sweden Turkey's National Assembly approved Sweden's NATO bid, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will likely sign the law into effect in the upcoming days. Russia The foreign ministers of all EU member states have agreed to support a plan to tax the profits generated by frozen Russian central bank assets. However, a group of countries, including Germany, continue to oppose seizing the Russian assets outright over legal concerns. Yemen U.S. and British forces carried out their second round of joint airstrikes on Houthi military infrastructure in Yemen. Houthi officials said such attacks would not deter further strikes on maritime targets in the region. Israel Israel offered the Gaza-based Palestinian militant group Hamas a proposal to pause fighting for up to two months in exchange for the release of all hostages from the strip. The deal would include a phased release of all live and deceased Israeli hostages in exchange for a predetermined number of Palestinian prisoners in each phase. Iran An Israeli attack on a residential building in Damascus, Syria,

right-of-center politicians Catherine Vautrin and Rachida Dati as labor and culture ministers, respectively, while simultaneously removing several center-left individuals from the government. Why It Matters: The removal of center-left ministers from the government follows their criticism of a controversial immigration reform and increases the risk of rebellion from centerleft lawmakers who are part of French President Emmanuel Macron's coalition in the medium term.The appointment of more right-of-center personalities to the government suggests that Attal's legislative agenda could tilt to the right when compared with his predecessor's. >>> Israel, South Africa Countries Make Opening Remarks as ICJ Genocide Case Begins What Happened: On Jan. 11-12, South Africa and Israel outlined their initial cases at the International Court of Justice after South Africa called for an immediate cessation of Israeli military actions in Gaza and accused Israel of committing genocide in its response to the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that started the IsraelHamas war.. On Jan. 11, South Africa alleged that Israel violated the Genocide Convention by committing mass killings of and inflicting serious bodily harm on Palestinians, while on Jan. 12 Israel outlined its case that it had a right to defend itself and that civilian casualties during war did not constitute violations of the Genocide Convention.

GLOBAL SITUATION REPORT Why It Matters: Any provisional decisions that the court makes are very unlikely to change the trajectory of Israel's military operations, especially since the court cannot enforce its rulings. However, a decision against Israel would cause some reputational harm, and the United States could use such a ruling to push Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to distance himself from far-right elements of his government. In response to this pressure, Netanyahu could reach a deal with more moderate individuals to maintain power. However, this scenario remains unlikely since Netanyahu will be reluctant to alienate his far-right supporters amid his sinking popularity in Israel. >>> Yemen US, UK Strike Over a Dozen Houthi Targets in Response to Attacks on Shipping What Happened: The U.K. and U.S. militaries struck more than a dozen different sites in Yemen overnight on Jan. 11-12 in response to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. According to a Department of Defense official, the strikes were carried out in coordination with the support of Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands.The military action reportedly involved U.S. aircraft, naval vessels and attack submarines, and targeted radar sites and storage and launch sites for UAVs, ballistic and cruise missiles. Social media accounts suggest that explosions occurred in Dhamar, Hodeidah, Saada, Sanaa,Taiz and Zabid, but U.S. or U.K. officials have not confirmed the locations of the strikes.

killed the Syria intelligence chief of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, his deputy and three other IRGC members. In response to the attack, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said, "The Islamic Republic will not leave the Zionist regime's crimes unanswered." Congo The Democratic Republic of the Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi was sworn in for a second term following a controversial election contested by the opposition due to allegations of fraud. There was no immediate indication that supporters of the opposition were responding to the call from two of Tshisekedi's primary rivals to demonstrate against his reelection nationwide. Iraq Pro-Iranian groups attacked the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq with ballistic missiles and rockets, resulting in minor injuries for several US service members and one wounded Iraqi security forces member. Japan The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, said its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon, or SLIM, landed and was communicating, but the lander is using batteries because its solar cells and panels are not generating power.

CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 Why It Matters: The strikes are unlikely to immediately deter the Houthis from carrying out more attacks on shipping in the region, and will raise the risk of more significant escalation as the Yemeni militant group retaliates.The Houthi movement has so far refrained from targeting the U.S. Navy and other navies operating in the Red Sea as a part of the U.S.-led Operation Prosperity Guardian mission to protect ships. But the likelihood of such attacks — which may prompt further Western military retaliation — is now higher. Moreover, the Houthis could respond by targeting U.S. partners in the region, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as a part of a broader Iranian-backed escalation strategy against the United States and Israel. >>> Papua New Guinea State of Emergency Declared After Rioting Kills at Least 16 What Happened: Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape declared a 14-day state of emergency in the country after rioting and looting left at least 16 people dead and dozens injured.The unrest began in the capital Port Moresby after a pay cut was issued to hundreds of civil servants (including police officers, prison guards and soldiers) in what is being described locally as ''the darkest day'' in the island nation's history. Why It Matters: he breakdown in public order could disrupt economic activity in Papua New Guinea, particularly gold, copper, silver, nickel and cobalt mining and liquified natural gas (LNG) extraction.The country could call in Australian police assistance following a security pact the two countries struck in December 2023, but has yet to do so. >>> Ukraine, US House Republicans Present 'Victory Plan' for Ukraine What Happened: The heads of the Republican-led U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, House Armed Services Committee, and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence issued a joint ''Plan for Victory in Ukraine'' document in which they criticize President Joe Biden's administration for its lack of assistance to Ukraine, Ukrainskaya. Specifically, the plan calls for providing weapons to Ukraine faster, including more advanced and longer range weapons, as well as tightening sanctions on Russia and transferring frozen Russian sovereign assets to Ukraine. >>> 96

GLOBAL SITUATION REPORT Why It Matters: The document is political and largely intended to attack the Biden administration's alleged underwhelming support for Ukraine. However, the plan's focus on providing Ukraine with the weapons it needs to win on the battlefield and taking other measures to increase aid to Kyiv will provide the administration with bipartisan cover to take such actions. It also starkly contrasts with the approach advocated by growing numbers of Republican lawmakers aligned with former President Donald Trump who are calling to end support for Ukraine. >>> Congo Constitutional Court Upholds Tshisekedi's Victory What Happened: The Democratic Republic of the Congo's Constitutional Court rejected two bids to overturn the results of the Dec. 20, 2023, presidential election, confirming President Felix Tshisekedi's victory, The Africa Report reported on Jan. 10. The court ruled that irregularities could not have affected the results of the election because there was such a large gap between Tshisekedi (73% of votes) and the next candidate (18% of votes). Why It Matters: The ruling confirms that Tshisekedi will take a second term, likely sticking with many of the policies from his previous five years in office, ranging from attempting to contain the conflict in Congo's eastern provinces to pursuing increased revenues in the mining sector. The court ruling also highlights the lack of independence within the Congolese judiciary, as most external election observers concluded that the December polls were riddled with irregularities and — in some cases — fraud. >>>

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Cloud & Cyber Security Expo 6-7 Mar, 2024 London, UK

DSEI 12-15 Sept 2024 London, United Kingdom

ISC West 09-12 April 2024 Las Vegas

Expo Seguridad Mexico 16 – 18 April 2024 Mexico City SECUREXPO – East Africa 15 – 17 Oct 2024 Nairobi, Kenya

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Executive Security and CP Technology Forum 25 January 2024 London, United Kingdom

Security – Essen 17-20 Sept, 2024 Essen, Germany

ASIS Europe 20-22 March, 2024 Vienna, Austria

Intersec 16 – 18 Jan, 2024 Dubai, UAE

Do you have a security event that is not listed here that you would like our readers to know about? Contact us: info@circuit-magazine.com 99

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Keeping Your Edge: Are The Demands Worth It?

By Elijah Shaw

The career of an executive protection professional is both challenging and rewarding. It involves ensuring the safety of high-profile individuals, which often means being on call 24/7, ready to respond to 100

any situation. The pressure, unpredictability and high stakes associated with the job require a deep commitment, which can have significant implications on personal commitments and family life.

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Executive protection agents often deal with long, irregular hours. Days can start before dawn and stretch well past sunset, with the need to remain constantly alert.

Executive protection agents often deal with long, irregular hours. Days can start before dawn and stretch well past sunset, with the need to remain constantly alert. The nature of the job means that plans can change rapidly, requiring agents to be adaptable and always prepared. This can lead to missed family events, disrupted routines, and a sense of always being 'on duty' even during supposed downtime. How many of us have made tentative plans, only to see them fizzle because the Protectee suddenly called with an unexpected movement or request? Extensive Travel and Its Challenges Professionals in this field often find themselves traveling frequently, sometimes with little notice. This constant movement means spending a significant amount of time away from home, leading to challenges in maintaining 101

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from a significant part of the agent's life. It can also lead to feelings of isolation for the agent, as they navigate complex and sometimes dangerous situations without being able to share these experiences with their loved ones. As a rule, we attempt Client Secrecy and Its Impact to limit client information to The requirement for discretion the outside word, however, and confidentiality in executive it becomes even more challenging in this new era of protection means that social media, especially when professionals often cannot working with a high profile share the details of their work with their families. This client. secrecy can create a divide between the professional and Balancing Family Life and personal worlds, leaving family Personal Interests members feeling disconnected Despite these challenges, regular contact with family and participating in everyday home life. The physical and emotional toll of travel can also be draining, impacting the agent's ability to engage fully during their limited time at home.

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KEEPING YOUR EDGE

finding time for family and and the reasons for extended personal interests is crucial absences. It also involves for the well-being of executive actively listening to the protection professionals. concerns and needs of family Engaging in hobbies and members, acknowledging the personal interests provides impact of the job on their lives, a necessary respite from the and finding ways to involve stresses of the job, offering them in decision-making mental and emotional relief. processes. Maintaining strong family bonds offers emotional For those with a significant support and a sense of other or close family, quality normalcy, counteracting the time should be a priority intense demands of the craft. whenever possible. This might The hobby or pastime does mean fully engaging during not need to be elaborate meals, dedicating specific (although it can be). You would times for family activities, be surprised at the therapeutic or ensuring that days off benefits from something as are spent in a meaningful mundane as just throwing a way with loved ones. Even frisbee around with friends, small gestures, like regular or placing a fishing boat on a phone calls or text, can make tranquil lake and letting the a significant difference, hours tick by. particularly if long absences are the norm with your Effective Communication current assignment. with Family Open and honest Setting boundaries between communication with family work and personal life can be members is also essential. difficult but is crucial for long This includes discussing the term fulfillment. This might nature of the job, the potential involve specific rules about not for sudden changes in plans, discussing work during family 103

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time or minimizing, whenever possible, business calls during meals. Respecting these boundaries ensures that personal time feels special and helps eliminate any alienation family members may feel. Planning ahead for family activities, vacations, or simple outings can help in balancing the demanding nature sometimes this can even be incorporated into elements of the assignment like preAdvance work or route planning. Physical & Mental Health The physical demands of for agents are also significant, but unfortunately are overlooked by many. Maintaining physical fitness is not only necessary for job performance, but also for overall health and wellbeing. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate rest are essential components of a healthy lifestyle for an executive protection professional. While many 104

Mental health is equally important. Dealing with highstress situations, the responsibility of protecting others, and the challenges of the job can take a mental toll.

KEEPING YOUR EDGE

approach the profession with both physiological and this mindset, as time goes psychological. Physiologically, on, bad habits start to erode chronic stress can lead to high discipline. Distressingly, this blood pressure, a weakened trend can get worse the more immune system, and other career opportunities that are stress-related ailments, presented. For example, a 90- potentially decreasing the day music tour or film shoot efficiency and responsiveness could be a great win for an that are vital in the close agent, however it might also protection field. see a dip in their workouts and nutrition. Psychologically, the effects can be just as detrimental. Mental health is equally Constant stress may result important. Dealing with in anxiety, depression, and high-stress situations, the burnout, undermining an responsibility of protecting agents professional's ability others, and the challenges to perform their duties of the job can take a mental effectively. The mental strain toll. Techniques for managing can also lead to decreased stress, such as mindfulness, cognitive function, such meditation, or even seeking as impaired judgment or professional counseling, are decision-making, which crucial for maintaining mental are critical in high-pressure health. situations where the safety of the client or the account is at Professionals constantly under stake. the pressure of vigilance and the potential of imminent Long-Term Career threats, which can lead to Sustainability chronic stress. This persistent For longevity in the field, it's state of alertness can trigger crucial to strike a balance a host of negative effects, between professional 105

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demands and personal life. This balance not only ensures personal well-being but also contributes to sustained professional performance. Exploring the various slices within the industry that offer more predictable schedules or less travel can aid in achieving this balance. Why run yourself ragged doing Celebrity Protection when a corporate account has a much lower tempo and more traditional hours? The executive protection industry as a whole is gradually recognizing the importance of work-life balance. Many agencies are now offering resources and

support for their agents to help manage the unique challenges of the job. Some clients also are more in tune however, finding that special more may be more akin to finding a needle in a haystack. While the profession is undeniably demanding, by employing effective strategies for communication, setting boundaries, prioritizing health, and seeking support, it's possible to manage the rigors of the job while maintaining a fulfilling personal life. Balancing these aspects is key not only to personal happiness but also to professional success and longevity in the field.

Elijah Shaw is the National Director of the North American Bodyguard Association and the CEO of ICON Global, and International Executive Protection Consulting Firm. Elijah, who has been featured in international publications such as Inc. Magazine, Entrepreneur, and Portfolio, runs the ICON Academy, an EP Training Program specializing in Celebrity & VIP Protection. He also currently sits on the Board of Directors of Executive Security International (ESI), the United States oldest Executive Protection Training School. His books, An Introduction to Executive Protection & Touring & Introduction to Executive Protection 4th edition, cowritten by Dale L. June (USSS ret.), both hit the Amazon best sellers list, and are available now worldwide in print, digital and audiobook formats. 106

Membership starting from £5

admin@the-bba.org.uk www.the-bba.org.uk 107

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Email: info@circuit-magazine.com United Kingdom 242 Security 242 Security offer a discrete, sophisticated but uncompromising approach that uses special forces principles gained through decades of experience in high-threat and high-risk environments. Because of this knowledge, we can disrupt conventional threats by providing next-generation services suited for today’s discerning clients. T : +44 (0)7498 990788 E : enquiries@242security.co.uk W : www.242security.co.uk 3D Security Ltd Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1TG Based in Taunton 3D Security provides security services for a wide range of clients. Whether you need a security guard in Somerset, event security in Leeds or Close Protection in London we will provide a solution for your needs. T: +44 (0)1823 253 001 W - www.3dsecurity.org E - enquiries@3dsecurity.org.uk A.B.I. Solutions A.B.I Solutions is a dynamic, forward thinking company, specialising in surveillance, security and investigations with local, national and internationalexperience. A.B.I provides a wide range of services to the corporate sector and individuals alike. W - www.abisolutions.co.uk Alex Morgan - Close Protection Officer I am a hardworking, enthusiastic and committed person. Adaptable and driven, I have great attention to detail and high standards. I am honest, reliable, friendly and work well as part of a team as well as on my own initiative. I am also a good listener who has the ability to communicate with people at all levels. I am comfortable, both taking and issuing direction. I am looking for the opportunity to apply and expand my skills. E: adsmorgan74@gmail.com T: 07775 636964 Argus Europe County Durham

Argus Europe has been providing specialist training for high-net worth clients and their families for close to 20 years, worldwide. Argus Europe now offer accredited training for CPO’s, Surveillance Operators and Private detectives. Argus Europe is an operational company working globally with an extensive variety of contracts. W: www.arguseurope.co.uk T: +44 (0) 8456 123 843 Briareus Security Our aim is to give a complete, discreet and professional service to all of our clients, be they large corporations, small businesses, local authorities or private individuals, all tailored to meet their individual needs. W: www.briareussecurity.com E: info@briareussecurity.com Callum Barrie Experienced Dog Handler since July 2020 and Security Industry experience of over 6 years. I have 2 working dogs, 1 Belgian Malinois (3 years) and 1 German Shepherd (1 year) available to work immediately. I have a current Close Protection Badge and Door Supervisor Badge. I am NASDU Level 2 Qualified. I have Public Liability Insurance and my own vehicle. Seeking employment immediately in Wales M: 07580405745 Cosain Consultancy Ltd Cosain has over 25 years of experience within the media safety and executive protection industry and has a network of trusted relationships with global media companies across the globe. Our services include crisis management, risk assessment, ground truth, rapid deployment and bespoke training for our clients. We deliver the only Media Safety Advisor Training course available today that is based on extensive, operational experience, preparing the attendees for the varied and challenging demands of media safety. W: www.cosainconsultancy.com E: info@cosainconsultancy.com T: +44 7859 040 807

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CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 Bespoke Britannia Bespoke Britannia draws experience from a specialist group of individuals who banded together in 2015 – 20 years of British Royal Family, over 30 years with the Security Intelligence Services as well as the British Police Force and Armed Forces. T : +44 (0) 207 692 5714 W : www.bespokebritannia.co.uk British Training Board The British Training Board are very proud to be a Community Interest Company (CIC) this means that we are company that helps a specific community to achieve a specific target or goal. T : 01792 709 287 E : admin@britishtrainingboard.org.uk W : www.thebtb.co.uk Creative Protection Services Our aim is to work with our customers to develop and improve how security is managed, keeping you and your business safe. We are passionate about utilising proven, cost-effective, and innovative tech – but we passionately believe in traditional time-honored methods when they are appropriate. We will listen to your needs and will always be happy to provide a fast and competitive quotation, completely free and with no-hidden-extras. T : 0333 224 1777 E : cps@creativeprotectionservices.com W : www.creativeprotectionservices.com Elysium Security Elysium employees are drawn from the military, police, and civilians at the top of their profession, and have to go through our personal company training insuring they are at the high competent standard required by Elysium Security, which provides the company with a unique balance of experience and knowledge to which the client benefits with bespoke security solutions. T : 01803 298 989 E : info@elysium-security.uk W : www.elysium-security.uk Exclusively Private Exclusively Private is an independent private security and household staffing company based in the UK. We pride ourselves in providing outstanding security and staffing services for high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses based in the UK, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo. T : +44 (0) 7928 744344 E : info@exclusivelyprivate.co.uk W : www.exclusivelyprivate.co.uk G6 Global G6 are specialists in all types of radio, telephony and satellite communications for both voice and data with particular emphasis on covert communications installations in both vehicles and fixed

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locations. In addition, our range of personal covert radios and bespoke accessories is extensive. W: info@g6-global.com T: +44 (0)1454 610050 Horizon Horizon is an internationally renowned and accredited security and medical company founded in response to the growing need for bespoke solutions for individuals and corporate clients offering a comprehensive range of services in the provision of security consultancy, security management, manned guarding services, training and manpower solutions. T : 01389 755551 E : info@horizon.uk.com W : www.horizon.uk.com Intelligent Protection International Intelligent Protection International Limited provides Close Protection Bodyguards and Executive Protection Services to meet our clients’ requirements, whether it is in a hostile environment, or a capital city. We operate with an amalgamation of professional standards, great management and highly experienced personnel. T : +44 207 4566740 E : info@intelligent-protection.co.uk W : www.intelligent-protection.co.uk Janus Protection Solutions Janus Protection Solutions have a track record of excellence, commitment to customer service and loyalty to our clients. Our employees have positive attitudes, professional demeanour and care genuinely about providing excellence in security services. T : +44 (0)161 706 0857 E : info@janusprotectionsolutions.com W : www.janusprotectionsolutions.com King Cobra Security Ltd King Cobra Security are a Milton Keynes based company, incorporating Certificated Enforcement Agents, Security and Surveillance officers carrying services for the Domestic & Corporate Sector. Being one of Milton Keynes leading and vibrant companies not scared by trying new technologies sets us out from the rest. We are capable of tasking agents throughout the UK & Internationally when required. E : info@kingcobrasecurity.co.uk T: 0330 223 5099 W: www.kingcobrasecurity.co.uk Adam McErlane Close Protection & Client Management A qualified/licenced close protection operative and live events technician from the UK. • 12+ years of experience operating within the live events sector as on operational technician/engineer (Touring & In-House) • Extensive knowledge of the operational procedures, security protocols & logistical processes of large tours and venues. • Personal

CLASSIFIEDS protection/client management experience (unlicensed) for a high net-worth individuals. Personal Qualities - • Determined, motivated & hard working. • Punctual and reliable. • Able to work independently & as part of a team • High ethical & moral standing. • Act quickly and decisively when required. • Working knowledge of defensive tactics in hostile situations. • Patient & Tolerant in stressful situations with others. • Rudimentary understanding of the Spanish languages. • Effective communicator with a diplomatic approach. • Very resourceful & able to find solutions to complex problems. • Possess good foresight & vigilance. • Years of experience working long & unsociable hours. • Physically fit & Healthy E: adammcerlane1989@outlook.com T: +44 7751953009 Marcin Gebler Close Protection Officer I have experience with work as an armed security officer, an armed security guard at army unit and army airport, an armed officer responsible for searching and identifying explosive devices, an armed CP in Poland. I have experience with work as a mobile patrol security officer and static security guard in UK. I have experience with work as a security officer at hotels, production sites, private households in UK. I am SIA CP and DS licensed. First Aid at Work Level 3 completed in 2020. Firearms Training Course Combat Pistol 1 for CPOs Shockfire in Poland 2020. E: p.i.gebler@gmail.com T: + 44 07799907528 Minerva Elite Minerva Elite is a highly professional and effective risk management and resilience consultancy formed to provide clients with competitive advantage and bespoke solutions to their security needs. Formed by a former United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) officer, we have a core value of the ‘Unrelenting pursuit of excellence’ in all tasks we undertake and bring world-class experience to bear for our clients. E : hello@minervaelite.com W : www.minervaelite.com Optimal Risk Optimal Risk provide integrated multi-domain support for physical and cyber risk, and lead the field in converged risk services. From protective services, to security and contingency planning, security exercises, preventative measures, and crisis management solutions for complex environments. T : +44 (0)20 7118 8870 E : info@optimalrisk.com W : www.optimalrisk.com Pinnacle Risk Consultancy Pinnacle Risk Consultancy are a veteran owned company based in the United Kingdom, with offices in Yorkshire, Manchester and London. This affords an excellent coverage of all major cities, towns and counties within the UK.

T : +44 (0) 20 7971 1990 E : info@pinnacle-risk.com W : www.pinnacle-risk.com Polaris Operations Polaris Operations are a premier provider of turnkey specialist services worldwide. We provide a full security service to care for all of our client requirements a dedicated complete package for all their needs or we dovetail into existing structures, working with external agencies to national levels. We provide a high-quality bespoke personal security service for discerning clients. We do not provide a one-size-fits-all security solution. T : 0208 100 6071 E : projects@polaris-operations.co.uk W : www.polaris-operations.co.uk Protegimus Protection Protegimus Protection is a leading specialist and licensed bodyguard, executive protection and security consulting company that ensures all your security requirements are met. We have expertise in executing, adding and improving to your security. As security experts we offer a complete range of security services and a multitude of bespoke security services to the highest of standards. T : +44 (0)7306 395194 E : enquiries@protegimusprotection.com W : www.protegimusprotection.com RWSSI Rob W is a professional security consultant with world wide experience and capabilities in Security, Surveillance and Investigation; I can support you to overcome any problems and enable you to achieve your goals E: rob@rwssi.co.uk T: +44 (0)7818 220985 Samaritan Protection Services Samaritan Protection Services are an industry leading risk management firm specializing in Protection, Intelligence, Crisis Management and Security Consulting. We provide professional and comprehensive strategies to reduce risk for public and private entities worldwide. T : +44 (0)203 137 7380 E : info.uk@samaritanps.com W : www.samaritanps.com Securitatatem Group Our mission is to provide unrivaled security services and tradecraft worldwide. Our ethos and culture are to deliver the highest of public service standards and values tailored to private sector clients. T : 0203 746 2214 E : enquiries@securitatemgroup.com W : www.securitatemgroup.com Safe Crowds As one of the UK’s leading security service providers

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CIRCUIT MAGAZINE ISSUE 67 SafeCrowds is driven to deliver and maintain a standard that exceeds the expectations of both existing and future clients. T : 020 4511 0100 E : info@safecrowds.co.uk W : www.safecrowds.co.uk Shaun West Associates Shaun West Associates is an integrated partner operating within the global security market. Based in the North East of England, delivering solutions across a wide range of security requirements. With the highest calibre of experience, alongside a passion for the industry, we provide discreet and effective solutions to your security requirements, whether that be looking after yourself, your loved ones, property and assets or your business. T : +44 (0) 191 300 4500 E : info@shaunwest.co.uk W : www.shaunwest.co.uk Shaun West – Business | Mindset Coaching An internationally accredited coach, with a background steeped in military discipline, security expertise, and entrepreneurial success. Using Elite Mindset coaching techniques, empowering individuals and organisations in the security industry to overcome their obstacles and achieve exponential growth. E : sw@shaunwest.co W : www.shaunwest.co Stephen OCallaghan Founder & Managing Director Strategically oriented Close Protection Security Specialist with a proven track record for providing effective leadership and exceeding performance objectives. Has been responsible for implementation of security standards in hostile and non-hostile job roles, security awareness and education, coordination of sensitive investigations, analysis of emerging industry trends and threats and the evaluation of overall team effectiveness. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships within a team, whilst at all times keeping the main objective and security needs at the fore front. E: enquiries@protegimusprotection.com T: +44 7306395194 W: www.protegimusprotection.com Vas Sotiropoulos London, UK I am a security operator with over nineteen years of experience in close protection, counter-surveillance, diplomatic protection, door supervision, and CCTV monitoring in the United Kingdom and Greece. Second Lieutenant in the elite of the Hellenic Army, the Special Forces. Undertaken a number of close protection courses run by the Greek Ministry of Defence, the VIP Protection Unit of the Hellenic Police, and the Surveillance Department of the US Embassy in Athens. Highly

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motivated and confident relocated to the UK for further career progression and to install my own footprint in the private security sector. Fully licensed Close Protection Officer by the British Security Industry Authority. E: info@spartanelitesecurity.co.uk T 02038882020 W: https://spartanelitesecurity.co.uk Wagtail UK Wales, UK Wagtail UK are international specialists in detection dogs and dog handler training. Established in 2003, Wagtail UK provides detection dogs and related services for government agencies such as UK Border Force, HM Revenue & Customs, Police, Trading Standards and Armed Forces. Wagtail International School of Excellence in North Wales is a fully approved training centre endorsed by Highfield Awarding Body for Certification. T: +44(0)1745 561166 E: info@wagtailuk.com W: http://www.wagtailuk.com Westminster Security Ltd London, UK Westminster Security Ltd are an independent, industry leading private security company in London; providing security and investigation services throughout the UK, EU and worldwide for our clients. We specialise in close protection services; providing ex-military and police bodyguards to many national and international companies, heads of state, royalty, high-profile personalities, CEO's, private individuals and families. T: +44 (0)207 123 4544 E: Info@westminstersecurity.co.uk W: www.westminstersecurity.co.uk Europe & Africa Wille Heino, Security Specialist, Owner Finland Gambeson is a security training & Consulting Company specialized in countering modern day threats. - Security & safety planning for different events. - Security training: Active shooter/Terrorism awareness/Surveillance detection/ Other. - Security consulting. We are specialized in executive protection related services. Local knowledge, trained and licensed close protection offers, mission support, other. E: wille.heino@gambeson.fi W: www.gambeson.fi Americas Bodyguard Careers Bodyguard Careers is an informational site with the purpose of providing bodyguards with all the information and tools necessary to succeed in the Close Protection Industry Info@BodyguardCareers.com www.BodyguardCareers.com

CLASSIFIEDS Decisiones Estratégicas Buenos Aires – Argentina Executive protection specialists we have experienced in all Latin America, for multinationals companies, also providing support in project throughout Latin America to consulting first the US. and UK. We have a team of specialists and psychologists in assistance and crisis negotiation. T: +54(911) 6415 1941 E: jbenitez@d–estrategicas.com W: www.d–estrategicas.com Fernando Mata Mexico I started in the Protection of Officials as an infantryman in the Presidential Guards Corps, in the Mexican Army. Later, as a civilian, I certified in executive protection and took a diplomaed in personal protection. I have also taken intelligence, terrorism and counterterrorism courses and some refresher courses. I am currently participating in an Academy project for the professional training of Protection agents with international standards. E: matamfer@hotmail.com T: + 55 2126 6994 W: www.afeeg.mx USA Icon Services Corporation 1043 Grand Ave. #312, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA A full service security and investigative agency specializing in providing high-level security and bodyguards to international celebrities, public figures and corporations. Licensed, bonded and insured, our diverse roster of clients reads as a virtual who’s who in the corporate, motion picture, fashion and recording industry. Icon has been the hand picked choice to provide Executive Protection to everyone from Superintendents to Supermodels. BBA Member. T: + 1 651 695 8778 W: www.Industry-Icon.com Imperial Protective Service, LLC 15849 N. 71st Street, Suite 100, Scottsdale , Arizona, 85254, USA Imperial Protective Service’ (IPS) is a security consulting and services firm founded in 1978. IPS provides both national and international corporate, executive and celebrity protective services. BBA Member. T: + 1 480 281 1588 W: www.executiveprotect.com Panther Protection Services 3695F Cascade Road, Suite 2207, Atlanta, GA 30331 Panther Protection Services is a full service protection agency offering such services as threat assessment, executive protection, self-defense training, firearms instruction, and high risk tactical protection. Our executive protection specialists have over 75 years of experience.

Panther can handle your protection needs whether around the corner or around the world. Member: BBA and NABA T: (404) 349-9117 W: www.pantherprotectionservices.com Tony Scotti’s Vehicle Dynamics Institute 1162 St. Georges Ave, Suite 277 , Avenel, NJ 07001, USA The first name in advanced driver training, offering our highly acclaimed Protective/Evasive Driving Programs. Designed specifically for today’s executive chauffeurs, executive protection professionals and others who are responsible for providing safe and secure transportation services. BBA Member. T: + 1 732 738 5221 W: www.vehicledynamics.net New Zealand Security Investigations & Risk Solutions LTD We are dedicated to providing professional and effective security solutions for your personal or business security requirements. S.I.R.S is one of the only security companies in New Zealand with ISO 9001 and ISO 18788 Running the most advanced security management system TrackForce to help S.I.R.S security operations with real-time reporting and lone worker technology. With a combination of Military and Security industry experienced staff. We offer high-quality security services and industry recognised training programs with international qualifications in Close Protection, Bodyguards, Maritime Security, Hostile Environment, Firearms Training, Door Supervision, Private Investigations, Surveillance, CCTV Operations, Event Security, Mobile Patrols and Static Guards. S.I.R.S has the expertise and flexibility to meet a wide variety of client needs. E: lee@sirs.org.nz T: 02040787549 W: www.sirs.org.nz Asia - Middle East - UAE Health Safety Emirates Health Safety Emirates are proud to be the number 1 Film Production Safety and Security Consultancy in the UAE and Middle East T : +971501001946 E : info@healthsafety.ae W : www.healthsafety.ae Krav Maga Middle East DMCC First established training company for the military selfdefense and fighting system developed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli security forces in UAE since 2018. T: +971 50 343 1832 W: www.kravmagamiddleast.com E: info@kravmagamiddleast.com

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Life can be testing, no matter what you fight. - Keep Fighting.

FOP is for you, whether you wear uniform, a suit, or gym kit. 114

ISSUE 67

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