​ASIS 2017: SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL CHALLENGES

Consider the first week of June: a sensitive U.S. National Security Agency document was leaked; attackers used a van to mow down pedestrians on London Bridge and then used knives to attack people in Borough Market; an ex-employee shot and killed five former colleagues at an awning factory in Orlando; and a cyberattack took down all systems of the Al Jazeera Media Network. The various actors, attack vectors, targets, and geographies of these incidents—all in a single week—underscore how diverse the threat is that confronts security and law enforcement around the world.

While incidents of espionage, cybercrime, terrorism, and violence continue to gain headlines, security professionals need to adapt. What worked just a few years ago is not enough for today’s volatile environment. Whether security practitioners are protecting a small organization or a global enterprise, it is critical for them to stay informed about innovations and learn best practices from experts in the industry. That’s the mission of ASIS 2017.

For more than six decades, the ASIS International Annual Seminar and Exhibits has stood as the premier educational and networking event for security professionals worldwide. ASIS 2017, taking place in Dallas, Texas, September 25–28, is the one event where security professionals across all disciplines and industry sectors gain insights from thought leaders and engage with product and service providers who can help translate expertise into solutions. This kind of networking and shared purpose builds community, which is the heart of the Seminar experience and what keeps attendees returning year after year.

“Now more than ever, harnessing the collective wisdom of a global community of peers by sharing ideas and best practices is critical,” says Peter J. O’Neil, CAE, CEO of ASIS International. “We have worked hard to make sure that our conference program meets this need. From breakout sessions, case studies, and lectures to panel discussions, demonstrations, and simulations—our learning program is designed to deepen connections, foster information sharing, and provide practical applications that can be used to advance each attendee’s educational needs.” 

This year’s event offers the most comprehensive education program in Seminar history. The lineup includes more than 180 sessions aimed at helping security professionals keep pace with emerging threats, approaches, and best practices impacting the profession. Topics include Enterprise Security Risk Management (ESRM); drone/UAV reconnaissance and surveillance; active shooter, assailant, insider threat, and soft target attack response; radicalization and violence mitigation; big data, analytics, and the Internet of Things; cybersecurity and privacy; and workplace violence.

For example, the “Lone Offenders, Radicalization, and Violence Prevention” session on September 25 will teach attendees how to expand their organizations’ workplace violence prevention programs to identify and respond to behaviors that may be indicative of insider radicalization. “Defusing Hostile People” on September 25 will demonstrate how to use mental methods and tools to effectively respond to a hostile or potentially violent situation. 

And those looking to learn how to apply ESRM principles will find an entire track of options. On September 26, presenters in “The Future of Cyber Security Risk? Wake up, You’re There” session will use ESRM concepts and theories to talk about cybersecurity risks as part of an overarching security risk management program. Later that day, “Enterprise Security Risk Management Requires a New Conversation Among the Executive Team” will examine how to become literate, not just in the language of security or business but in the language of technology and new external threats.

This is just a small sample of the expert-led sessions being presented at ASIS 2017. In addition, extensive education will be offered on the exhibits floor, including career development best practices, impact learning sessions, and product and service demos. 

Terrorism and violence threaten our workplaces “in addition to the day-to-day issues we face that never make the news but impact us directly and immediately,” says Thomas J. Langer, CPP, 2017 president of ASIS International. “This year’s education program reflects this reality. From the global perspectives provided by the morning keynotes to innovative learning formats and learning lab experiences on the exhibits floor, our aim is to ensure attendees have the intelligence and professional connections to protect the people, property, and assets entrusted to their care.” 

ASIS 2017 promises unprecedented educational value to attendees—addressing the full spectrum of security—through partnerships with leading organizations such as the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) and InfraGard. To learn more about ASIS 2017, visit www.securityexpo.org.​

SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION 

In the past three months, full-tuition scholarships were awarded to eight security professionals from around the world to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Phoenix and Webster University. In addition, 10 active-duty military and law enforcement professionals are one step closer to achieving their board certifications—all thanks to ASIS Foundation awards and scholarships. These life-changing programs are funded solely through voluntary donations from individuals and companies who support the Foundation’s mission to provide valuable research and scholarship opportunities.

At ASIS 2017, there are many ways to help support this work—and have fun while doing so! Kick off Seminar week at the Golf Tournament, Sunday, September 24, at the Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine, Texas. This is a great way to catch up with clients and colleagues at the world’s only football-themed golf club. Later that night, visit Gilley’s Dallas for the Opening Night Celebration. Thousands of peers will be on hand for a truly Texas experience featuring armadillo racing, live music, and the opportunity to donate to the Foundation by participating in the mechanical bull riding competition. 

Need to update your professional photo? Head over to the Headshot Lounge located near the Career Center on the Expo Floor, which will be equipped with photographers and makeup artists. This free service is sponsored by the Foundation. Donations are accepted and appreciated. 

The Foundation will also sponsor several education sessions at ASIS 2017, including “Intelligent Building Vulnerabilities: Is There an Open Door into Your Facility?” on Monday, September 25; “Use Metrics Dashboards to Manage Enterprise Security Risks” on Tuesday; and “Archaeological Site Security: Clunia, Huerta De Rey, Spain” on Wednesday. 

Stop by the ASIS Hub (#1613) on the exhibit floor to learn more about the Foundation’s work or visit www.asisfoundation.org. 

​PRE-SEMINAR PROGRAMS

Whether you want to cultivate a better understanding of IT security, security risks for financial institutions, or best practices for successful security consulting, the ASIS Pre-Seminar Program is designed to jump-start your education prior to ASIS 2017. The pre-show options also include ASIS certification reviews.

Understanding IT. Having a basic understanding of information security is essential to protecting physical security systems from cyberthreats, thereby improving the overall enterprise security position of an organization. Sunday, September 24, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., “IT Security for Physical Security Professionals—In Plain English,” sponsored by the ASIS ESRM Commission, will offer key resources and tools to use in navigating information security issues. 

“Too often, physical security and cybersecurity professionals operate independently of one another, which prevents a holistic, enterprise risk-based approach,” says session leader Dave Tyson, CPP, CEO at CISO INSIGHTS and chair of the ASIS International ESRM Commission. “This session will use plain English to arm physical security professionals with the cybersecurity basics they need to communicate across that divide and begin working towards a more unified security posture. It will also serve as a valuable foundation for physical security professionals who are looking to extract even more value from the more technical cybersecurity sessions offered throughout the week ahead.”

Financial risk. Practitioners in the financial sector will want to attend the “Security Risks and Mitigation Strategies for Financial Institutions” program, sponsored by the ASIS Banking and Financial Services Council on Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During this session, subject matter experts will address threats to global financial institutions, as well as mitigation strategies. Immediately following the program, a networking reception will afford an opportunity to connect with security leaders in the financial services industry.

Consulting. The “Successful Security Consulting” program will provide insight on how to develop and market yourself as a security consultant while avoiding expensive mistakes. Sponsored by the International Association of Professional Security Consultants, the program is offered from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Certification. Certification Review Programs provide a high-level review of the security concepts tested on the CPP, PCI, and PSP exams. Attendees will also take a sample test to gauge areas of strength and identify where to best focus their study efforts. Each class will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, and continue from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Don’t miss the opportunity to begin your ASIS 2017 experience at the Pre-Seminar Programs. To register or learn more, please visit the Pre-Seminar Programs section of the ASIS 2017 website, located under the Conference tab.

​40 YEARS OF BOARD CERTIFICATIONS AT ASIS 2017

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the ASIS International Board Certification Program, which began in 1977 with its first certification credential—the Certified Protection Professional® (CPP). ASIS was the first organization to offer a credential specifically for security managers, and it remains the global standard. 

ASIS will recognize this milestone anniversary with special activities during ASIS 2017. Newly certified individuals as well as all certificants in attendance will be acknowledged during the networking luncheon on Monday, September 25.

In addition, the four individuals who have held the CPP certification for all 40 years will be celebrated at an awards presentation. Be sure to check out the Show Daily to read the interviews with these board-certified superstars. 

• Dr. James D. Calder, CPP, Professor at University of Texas at San Antonio 

• Don W. Walker, CPP, Chairman of Securitas Security Services USA, Inc.

• Dr. Kenneth G. Fauth, CPP, Senior Consultant at K. Fauth, Inc.

• James P. Carino, Jr., CPP, Senior Consultant at Executive Security Consultants

Stop by the ASIS Hub (Booth #1613) to get details on additional celebratory plans and for answers to your certification questions.  ​

ASIS NYC HIGHLIGHTS

The ASIS 27th New York City Security Conference and Expo was packed with thought-provoking sessions, interactive panels, and engaging exhibitors. The event, held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in early June, opened with a keynote by Paul Fitzgerald of the Boston Police Department, who was present during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. He gave attendees a captivating play-by-play of the events following the explosions. After an exhausting 72 hours—filled with managing social media speculation, a shootout, a carjacking, and a citywide shelter-in-place—Fitzgerald described the capture of the younger Tsarnaev brother, which played on live television. 

He discussed the changes made in the years since the bombing and said that partnerships between law enforcement and private entities are more imperative than ever. “The criminals are networking and that’s why it is so critical that we do as well,” Fitzgerald said.

Steve Crimando of Behavioral Science Applications followed the keynote with a discussion about how social media and fake news feed into terrorist operations. “Terrorism is not designed to cause the cracks,” Crimando explained. “It is by the continued use of ambient fear over time that those small tactical strikes deepen and widen those cracks.”

Following a break, former Time Warner CSO Brian Allen, CPP, led an off-the-cuff discussion about how to shift security from a trade to a profession and better define the role of security managers. 

“Industry folks are starting to talk about security management,” he noted. “It’s getting beyond tech issues and talking about legal liability, protests, and reputational issues. That’s where we should get to.”

An afternoon panel session on protecting America’s cities was led by Fitzgerald; Lori A. Hennon-Bell, CSO of Prudential Financial; John P. Cronan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York; and James Waters, counterterrorism chief with the New York City Police Department (NYPD). They discussed public-private partnerships, combating violent extremism, the private sector’s role in mitigating risk, and challenges in prosecuting terrorism cases. 

The following day, cybersecurity expert Iain Paterson led a discussion about organized crime as a cyberthreat. Brian Jantzen and Jared Van Driessche of AS Solution gave a joint presentation on how security professionals need to consider the Internet of Things (IoT) when making an executive protection plan.

The NYC Chapter Person of the Year Luncheon honored New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill and other industry superstars. The Eugene J. Casey Award for Service was presented to Craig Schwab, CPP, former chair of the ASIS NYC chapter. Raymond L. Dean, CPP, was presented with the Joseph A. Spillane Lifetime Achievement Award. Chapter Chair Lynn Brown offered a touching tribute to the wife and son of NYPD Detective Steven McDonald, who passed away in January. 

Accepting the Person of the Year Award, Commissioner O’Neill talked about a neighborhood policing model on the streets of New York that allows officers to take ownership of their beats and identify problems in the community. “Murders are down, shootings down…and to think that after all these years we can continue to push violence down is a testament to men and women of the NYPD,” O’Neill said to applause. “Partnership with everyone in this room is critical. I’m humbled—I started out as transit cop, and never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be up here.” 

By Lilly Chapa, assistant editor at Security Management. Contact her at [email protected].  Follow her on Twitter @lillychapa.​

MEMBER BOOK REVIEW 

Corporate Executive Protection. By Christian West and Brian Jantzen. AS Solution; available from ASIS; 250 pages; $35 (ASIS members); $39 (nonmembers).

This is not a how-to book for individuals looking to enter the protection field as a bodyguard or executive protection specialist. It’s not about how to protect individuals as they exit a vehicle and enter a stadium where they are the main event. It’s not about what formation works best when moving a motorcade through an urban environment. 

Instead, Corporate Executive Protection is a book about why the board of directors should consider an executive protection program, and it examines the benefits and potential issues of establishing a program. How will a proposed program affect the principal being protected? Does the program address the risks and threats faced by the principal? How does the program affect the principal’s family and private life? These and other questions are realistically addressed in this book.

Who will benefit from this publication? Just about anyone participating in the assessment, design, and review of an executive protection program for corporate principals and their families. This includes members of the board of directors, corporate staff supporting the executive protection effort, internal and contract executive protection managers, and others seeking to understand executive protection from a corporate point of view. It’s all about designing and justifying a solid program that will be valued by the corporation and the principal.

Reviewer: William “Bill” Leap, CPP, is the vice president of security services for Chicago-based Titan Security Group. He is a member of the ASIS Security Services Council. ​ ​