​BETTER THAN EVER

It’s less than four months until ASIS 2017, and ASIS staff and volunteers are kicking into high gear, preparing for the best Seminar yet. 

The schedule of events will be significantly different when Seminar comes to Dallas this September. After soliciting and responding to attendee and exhibitor feedback, the ASIS team is implementing some exciting changes for this year’s event that will enhance the overall experience for attendees and exhibitors.

The exhibit hall will be open Tuesday, September 26, through Thursday, September 28. That leaves a full day for uninterrupted educational programs on Monday, while providing exhibitors an extra day for setup. Front-loading education this way also creates more exclusive hours for attendees to explore the thousands of innovative security services and solutions available in the exhibit hall later in the week.

ASIS 2017 officially kicks off on Sunday, September 24, with an Opening Night Celebration at Gilley’s Dallas. Mechanical bull riding, armadillo races, good food, and live music—you’ll find it all at the ASIS 2017 Opening Night Celebration. 

The President’s Reception is moving to a new night this year—Wednesday, September 27—at AT&T Stadium, home of the five-time Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys. 

Always one of the most anticipated events at Seminar, this year’s reception offers attendees the opportunity to participate in on-the-field games and drills, tour the stadium’s locker rooms, and relive the excitement of the week with plenty of food, fun, and revelry. 

A dynamic line-up of keynote speakers is just the beginning of the most comprehensive education program in Seminar history. George W. Bush, 43rd president of the United States, will open the event on Monday. Author Scott Klososky will discuss “The Technology Integration of Man” during his Tuesday keynote remarks. On Wednesday, Edward F. Davis, III, former Boston police commissioner, and Rick DesLauriers, former special agent in charge of the Boston FBI, will offer a special presentation, “Remembering Patriots Day: The Hunt for the Tsarnaev Brothers and the True Meaning of #BostonStrong.” 

The ASIS conference program includes new session formats, prioritizing interactive programs and seating arrangements to better engage and enliven audiences. A new Security Solutions track will offer practical solutions to the toughest threats. Each education session will be categorized by experience level (new to industry, mid-career, advanced, CSO-level), so attendees will know which ones are the best fit. 

ASIS will bring even more value to Expo-Only attendees in 2017 with multiple theatres on the show floor featuring education and product demonstrations, technology showcases, and a networking happy hour. The exhibit floor will also feature a central hub for all things ASIS, with the latest information on certifications, standards and guidelines, education, chapters, councils, global events, membership, and more. 

“Security is competitive—there are threats out there, man-made and natural, looking to disrupt your business. Knowing what these emerging threats are and the risk mitigation strategies and technologies to fill those gaps can give us a competitive edge in a high-stakes world,” says Chuck McCormick, PSP, ASIS Indianapolis Chapter chair. “The ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibits provides the perfect convergence of knowledge, technology, and networking that can offer us what we need to mitigate the impact of threats in our work environment. If you are not attending, you are missing a tremendous opportunity.”

For the second year, InfraGard will co-locate its Annual Congress and Conference at ASIS 2017. And for the first time, the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) will develop information security tracks for the Seminar’s education program. In addition, ISSA will showcase cybersecurity-focused solutions providers on the ASIS exhibit floor and will host organizational meetings and social events for its members. 

A new program in 2017 focuses on uniting organizations allied to advancing the security profession. Exhibitors, sponsors, and supporting organizations all contribute to the overall attendee experience.

“Partnerships, collaboration, security solution excellence, and renewing longstanding relationships with peers from around the globe are all hallmarks of our Society and core to the ASIS 2017 program,” says Thomas J. Langer, CPP, 2017 president, ASIS International. “This event embodies our profession’s shared mission—across practitioners and service and technology providers—to making the world a safer place to live, work, and play. It’s this dedicated community that comes back year after year that makes this event so special.”

ASIS 2017 is not just the best place to hone professional skills, learn the tools of the trade, and connect with other security professionals, but it’s also the place to have fun doing so. 

Early bird registration ends June 30, so be sure to secure your place today. securityexpo.org/register.​

NEW STRATEGIC PLAN 

by ASIS International President Thomas J. Langer, CPP 

Last year, the ASIS Board of Directors initiated a new member-centric process aimed at developing a strategic plan for the organization that reflects the changes in the security profession and optimizes the association to meet future member and market needs. The process included convening volunteer leaders to identify challenges, articulating strategic bets and organizational priorities, and—along every step of the way—soliciting member feedback. 

The results have been revelatory. The past 16 months have seen dramatic changes across ASIS—a new executive leadership team, renewed focus on customer service, restructuring of departments, revamped education programs and formats, an overhaul of our technology infrastructure, and revitalizing of our European event and flagship Annual Seminar and Exhibits. 

And we are just getting started. 

This is a transformational time, not just for the Society, but for the profession. The blurring of operational and cybersecurity, the need for a business-first mentality, and new threats involving Big Data, the Internet of Things, the Islamic State, and rogue nation-states continue unabated. Meeting the challenges and opportunities ahead requires new organizational strategies and tactics. This is underscored in our commitment to enterprise security risk management and reflected in the new strategic plan.

Six strategic objectives will ground the Society’s work going forward. Please take a moment to review them and share your thoughts at [email protected]. 

Global network. ASIS will focus on reinforcing value for members worldwide, across all markets and at every step of the career ladder. This will be accomplished through innovative solutions that foster collaboration and information sharing globally, regionally, and locally. Members desire dynamic engagement channels that enable a truly global experience. ASIS will undertake initiatives that offer members a meaningful voice across the industry, cultivating communities of knowledge and exposing ASIS to a larger base of prospective members and alliances. 

Professional competency. ASIS will develop a tiered credentialing pathway geared toward life-long learning, as well as accompanying tailored education and training offerings. The Society must develop a career pathing mechanism that provides candidates/practitioners with onramps and advancement ladders specifically mapped to them. By leveraging strategic partnerships and alliances, ASIS will provide greater reliability, flexibility, and responsiveness.

Knowledge and learning. ASIS will develop a knowledge and learning strategy and roadmap. The Society must deliver content to its members in a more efficient and curated fashion. The framework for delivery of education must be convenient and cost-effective, and include online, blended, and face-to-face programming. ASIS will work toward development of a traditional academic curriculum that provides a simple, coherent path for entering the profession and developing competency. 

Event preparedness and response. ASIS will develop the process and protocols to ensure that volunteer leaders have a way to effectively communicate—before, during, and after a crisis—and that members have actionable and searchable information readily accessible. ASIS should be broadly recognized as the go-to organization for security management thought leadership and best practices. 

Branding. In response to the ever-changing marketplace, it is essential to communicate a clear identity and mission. This will be accomplished through the development and implementation of a strategy that reinforces ASIS as the global face and voice of enterprise security risk management (ESRM). 

Operations and performance. As the association continues to expand globally and modernize business procedures, it will build a team to facilitate such projects, measure success, and regularly report progress to ASIS stakeholders. ASIS will establish a continuous improvement process for the organization and measure incremental progress toward strategic goals. 

ASIS EUROPE 2017

ASIS Europe 2017: From Risk to Resilience welcomed 700 aspiring and established security leaders to Milan, Italy, last March. 

In his keynote address, Microsoft Italy General Manager Carlo Purassanta framed the conference theme by describing the impact of Big Data and Internet of Things (IoT) technology, as well as the rapid rate of change. He noted that when opportunities are so great, many businesses will not wait for their security teams’ approval before pressing ahead and going to market. 

Purassanta’s talk sparked debate at the subsequent security leaders’ panel, where questions were raised about the current lack of regulation for IoT technology, the gaps in consumer and user knowledge of the risks, and whether some hardware and software manufacturers are behaving irresponsibly by releasing unsecured products. 

The depth and breadth of learning opportunities—75 sessions spanning the two-day event—included the launch of a career center and classes designed to provide education and career advancement opportunities.

The Society’s strategic commitment to enterprise security risk management (ESRM) was reflected in educational sessions such as:

• Master classes on implementing integrated enterprisewide security teams, and on the tension between consumer privacy and corporate security interests

• case studies on IoT security breaches, the impacts of Big Data, and cognitive computing

• a review of radicalization and the role of technology

• an examination of the complexity in conducting multijurisdictional investigations across multiple technology platforms

• Insight into the methodology of leading global enterprises such as Amazon, Deutsche Telekom, Tech Data, and Solvay

This focus on cyber-physical risks drew attention to the need for ESRM’s holistic approach. Noted Eduard Emde, CPP, past president of ASIS International and ASIS Europe 2018 conference chair, “We find ourselves faced with questions of ownership, responsibility, and liability. Whilst much debate has centered on technology risk, we have also been reminded that we cannot forget much more familiar foes. And we were also reminded how much risk stems from the human factor—whether through ignorance or by malicious intent.”

The event was supported by several industry sponsors. Tyco Integrated Fire & Security, Nedap, Sicuritalia, and Securitas all sponsored the event, as did more than 20 exhibiting companies that offer various in­novations for risk assessment and asset protect­ion applications. 

ASIS Europe 2018 will take place in The Hague, The Netherlands, April 18–20. More information will be available soon on asiseurope.org.​

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATIONS AT ASIS 

New initiatives to improve the member experience are underway at ASIS, including improving access to—and the quality of—our eLearning; creating an easier, more engaging online experience; and improving access to resources and networking opportunities with other members. 

ASIS began rolling out the new learning management system (LMS) in April. The LMS will provide a one-stop shop to purchase, access, and manage ASIS eLearning, including certification review courses, webinars, certificate exams, and more. The goal is to make online education more accessible, while providing members with a central place to organize learning opportunities and discover new ones. 

ASIS is in the early stages of overhauling the association website, with an enhanced design, better navigation, and more targeted content delivery. Rollout for the new site is expected later this year. To provide input on what functionality or features you would find most valuable on the new site, email [email protected].

NEW DHS GUIDE PROVIDES BEST PRACTICES FOR SECURITY HOUSES OF WORSHIP

In April, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative released a list of resources titled Safety for Faith-Based Events and Houses of Worship, aimed at bolstering emergency preparedness for religious organizations, as well as faith-based events. This helpful guide features a list of government and nonprofit resources, including links to ASIS International materials: an ASIS Cultural Properties Council white paper, Recommended Best Practices for Securing Houses of Worship, and the ASIS Security Spotlight Web feature on Protecting Houses of Worship, which includes free resources from councils, recorded seminar sessions, book excerpts, and more. The list of resources can be found on the ASIS website, asisonline.org/NSIguide. ​

LIFETIME CERTIFICANTS 

Congratulations to the following security professionals who recently achieved lifetime certification status:

​• Juan A. Benavides, CPP

• Mohammad Waheeduzzaman Khan, CPP, PSP

• Kiehah Kim, CPP

• Richard A. Michau, CPP

• Jake F. Mielnik, CPP

• Joseph P. Serylo, CPP

 

CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES

Congratulations to the ASIS chapters celebrating milestone anniversaries in the second quarter of 2017.

• Poland 5 years

• Savannah Low Country 5 years

• Mumbai, India, 10 years

• Southwest Florida 10 years

• Montgomery 25 years

• Ottawa 30 years

• New Zealand 30 years

• Olympic Mountain 35 years

• Sacramento 35 years

• Flint 35 years

• Granite State 40 years

• National Capital 60 years

• Northern New Jersey 60 years

 

MEMBER BOOK REVIEW

Women in the Security Profession, A Practical Guide for Career Development. Edited by Sandi J. Davies. Butterworth-Heinemann; available from ASIS International; Item #2312; 314 pages; $69 (ASIS members), $76 (nonmembers).

Practical advice blends with personal narratives from female security pros in Women in the Security Profession. Edited by industry veteran Sandi Davies, the book offers a candid look at the realities of life for the women who work in security. Contributors include many well-known women (and men) in the security world, including former ASIS President Bonnie Michelman, CPP.

At first glance, the book looks like any other textbook on a professional topic—with glossy images and a table of contents that outlines a comprehensive range of subjects in the field of security. However, each chapter’s text is punctuated with segments of interview-style questions and answers that illustrate the lessons of the section. While the flow of the book may seem disrupted, these interviews create added value and allow readers to pick up the book and read random selections without missing anything.

The text also offers advice about professional situations—not just subjects. Readers can co-opt the stories of the various authors and potentially apply them to their own professional situations. Many of the contributors promote the value of mentorship, and the book itself offers avenues to mentorship and inspiration. Finally, the book lays out the path of women in the security profession, from the historical beginnings to their role in the security profession’s future, providing a balanced and holistic view of the subject matter.

This book is an excellent reference for women considering a career in security, but it’s also a useful text for anyone who is curious to understand how women fit into the male-dominated security profession. 

Reviewer: Susan Gallagher is an independent consultant in security risk management, training, and security program management for government and private sectors both in Canada and New Zealand. She has been a security practitioner for almost 20 years and is a longtime member of ASIS.