In anticipation of GSX, we sat down with presenters of upcoming sessions in order to get a better understanding of the topics at hand. This week we are featuring, “Why Not Security Robots? The Security Industry’s Reticent Attitude for Adoption of Proven Technology” presented by Samuel Vinicur, CPP, Director of Client Development at Knightscope, Inc. Read on for what he had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2023! 

Q: Tell us about your presentation and why should security professionals have this topic on their radar? 

A: Why Not Security Robots? This presentation covers robotics acceptance trends in other industries and gets to the root of the Security Industries reticence to adopt. Shedding some light on what’s not talked about, revenues, out in the open. Autonomous Security Robots are being deployed and operating globally, why is the US behind the trend? Social human resource trends are driving adoption as well, we need to train for robotics interfacing now.  

Q: What advice you would give security professionals interested in this topic? 

A: Follow the few manufacturers in the game now. Research what other industries are doing and why. What other countries are doing and why. Start looking at upskilling your LE and Security guard force to accept and work with robotics in the security space.  

Q: How do you see this issue evolving in the next 2-5 years? 

A: Security Robots should be mainstream in 2-5 years. Adoption and next generation Ai and robotics will come to light. Security Integrators will grab significant market share of guarding revenue.  

Q: Why do you attend GSX? 

A: I attend GSX for the latest technology and education the security industry has to offer. The face-to-face networking is fantastic. The CEUs to keep my CPP certification current don’t hurt either. 

In anticipation of GSX, we sat down with presenters of upcoming sessions in order to get a better understanding of the topics at hand. This week we are featuring, “Active Shooter Preparedness and Mitigation— Have You Done Enough?” presented by Kevin Davis, CPP, Assistant Director of Public Safety at Harding University Public Safety. Read on for what he had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2023!

Q: Tell us about your presentation and why should security professionals have this topic on their radar? 

A: As all security professionals know, active shooter situations have become all too common. While the chances of an active shooter situation occurring at your place of business, no matter the industry, are relatively small, security professionals must be prepared if an incident were to occur at their place of business. My presentation covers all aspects of active shooter mitigation. I will cover threat assessment teams, physical security posture, active shooter preparedness training for both armed and unarmed personnel, communications, conducting drills and exercises, and lessons learned from active shooter incidents.  

Q: What advice would you give security professionals interested in this topic? 

A: Take a holistic approach when conducting an assessment of your security strategy to mitigate an active shooter threat. Do your research when it comes to investing in physical security measures for your facilities. Talk to other security professionals about best practices for active shooter mitigation. 

Q: How do you see this issue evolving in the next 2-5 years? 

A: Unfortunately, I believe that the number of active shooter incidents will continue to grow over the next 2-5 years. People are still experiencing social isolation post-pandemic. Social media and news outlets continue to give notariety to those who perpetrate violence against others. Discourse and division continue to polarize our population.  All of these factors combine to create an atmosphere where active shooter incidents will continue to increase. 

Q: Why do you attend GSX? 

A: I attend GSX to spend time interacting with my peers, to learn from worldwide security experts, and to stay current on the latest trends and best practices. 

In anticipation of GSX, we sat down with presenters of upcoming sessions in order to get a better understanding of the topics at hand. This week we are featuring, “Sabotage and Critical Infrastructure,” presented by Dyrk Greenhalgh, PSP, Vulnerability Assessment Analyst at UCOR LLC, Karl Perman, CEO at CIP CORPS, Nick Weber, CPP, PSP, PCI, Managing Partner at Archer International, and Scot Walker, PCI, Principal at Walker & Associates. Read on for what they had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2023!

Q: How did you become interested in your topic? 

SW: I first became interested in the topic of protecting critical infrastructure from sabotage and attack when I worked for the Department of Energy on their Special Response Team, where we protected special nuclear material, and after 9/11 as a criminal investigator on the Joint Terrorism Task Force in Los Angeles, where we investigated pre-operational surveillance and suspected attacks on critical infrastructure.  

In my experience, the preservation of critical infrastructure is essential for national security, public safety, economic stability, social order, and cybersecurity. Protecting and securing these systems is crucial for the well-being and prosperity of a nation and its citizens.  

In a global sense, this is the first time in modern history that two superpowers like China and Russia have been decoupled from the global economy, making many countries’ critical infrastructure vulnerable to attack. Couple that with shrinking participation by law enforcement in securing critical infrastructure, and we have a recipe for a global disaster. Which is why protecting critical infrastructure from attack and sabotage is a vital challenge for the global security industry to solve in the decade of crisis, the 2020s. 

Q: Tell us about your presentation and why should security professionals have this topic on their radar? 

KP: Energy critical infrastructure is vital to the generation, transmission, distribution, and use of energy. These systems and assets are essential for the functioning of modern societies and economies and protecting them from damage is critical to ensure their continued operation. This session will feature subject matter experts from three ASIS International Communities; Investigations, Critical Infrastructure and Physical Security. These SMEs will provide insights into risks and mitigations related to sabotage of critical infrastructure.  

Security professionals should be concerned with this topic in order to understand the various types of threats to critical infrastructure, including physical attacks, cyber-attacks, natural disasters, and equipment failures as well as protective measures to mitigate these threats. 

Q: What advice would you give security professionals interested in this topic? 

NW: My advice to security professionals is to understand what they are charged with protecting and how it functions. Without that base of knowledge, it’s impossible to accurately determine risk and apply appropriate controls. 

Q: How do you see this issue evolving in the next 2-5 years? 

DG: Data from the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response clearly shows a distinct, upward trend in the number and severity of intentional attacks against critical infrastructure. With additional publicity from attempted and successful attacks–much like copycat attacks for active shooters–those looking to sabotage power infrastructure know several facts: 1) Critical infrastructure is everywhere. 2) Critical infrastructure does not have a large physical security footprint. 3) Critical infrastructure is easy to affect (e.g., vehicles, tools, firearms; ingenuity is not required). 4) Saboteurs may choose the time and place of the attack without a large chance of discovery, and; 5) The results of utility disruptions can be large, long-lasting, costly, and highly publicized.   

It is likely that major disruptions to critical infrastructure will become a domestic violent extremists’ method of choice for bringing publicity to their particular ideology. For example, cases of vandalism, physical attacks, and suspicious activity were nearly double in 2022 than what they were in 2020. The number of attacks for 2023 is higher than it was this time last year. For the purposes of foreseeing the potential future of infrastructure attacks, imagine coupling the remote capabilities of nefarious cyber actors with physical characteristics of using kinetic weapons and it doesn’t take a Hollywood script to see that holding a town’s critical infrastructure hostage is not outside the realm of possibility. We’re certainly not there yet, but there are no limitations to the creativity of a committed adversary. Security professionals and policy makers will need to work together to fund, train, and deploy novel approaches to disrupt attempted attacks, and mitigate those that are successful. 

In anticipation of GSX, we sat down with presenters of upcoming sessions in order to get a better understanding of the topics at hand. This week we are featuring, “Past, Present, and Future of Robots & Drones for Physical Security,” presented by Travis Deyle, CEO at Cobalt Robotics. Read on for what he had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2023!

Q: Tell us about your presentation and why should security professionals have this topic on their radar? 

A: The history of robotics & automation harkens back to military conflict – from automated weapons systems, operational efficiencies, and remote command & control infrastructure. While the physical devices are the tangible “tip of the spear,” the real force multiplier is the software that coordinates & manages these systems to automate key workflows – and those same innovations are now a potent tool for civilian security programs as well. 

In this talk, we’ll look at the past, present, and future of mobile robots for safety & security applications. We’ll talk about the technology and operational considerations driving today’s adoption, use cases & deployment models, and near-term technology inflections such as manipulation (e.g., to address doors & elevators) and robust outdoor campus-area networks (e.g., 5G and satellite internet connectivity) that will further accelerate their adoption. Finally, we will take a look at automation in other areas of shared services (janitorial, hospitality, retail, landscaping, and more) to learn how security-adjacent services are also benefiting from the very same trends.  

Q: What advice would you give security professionals interested in this topic? 

A: Security programs are being stretched beyond their limits: Economic Downturn & Cost-Cutting, Rising Wages, Great Resignation, and Unbilled Overtime. The only practical solution to maintain or enhance security programs is through technology & automation.  

Q: How do you see this issue evolving in the next 2-5 years? 

A: Camera systems are a historical mainstay & are getting better by the day, but they have fundamental limitations. Mobile robots are a relatively new tool — whether indoor, outdoor, or aerial — that are evolving rapidly to provide better coverage & superhuman capabilities. And a host of new software suites are helping organizations manage assets (humans, technology, & software) to automate key workflows, provide better duty of care, and manage a distributed global footprint.  

Q: Why do you attend GSX? 

A: GSX is an ideal location for practitioners and vendors to meet, collaborate, and share hard-won insights as we look to make the world more safe, secure & productive. 

In anticipation of GSX, we sat down with presenters of upcoming sessions in order to get a better understanding of the topics at hand. This week we are featuring, “Travel Security in a Post-Pandemic World: The Importance of Joining Health and Security Forces,” presented by Annick Chalifoux, Director of Global Health and Safety at Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ), and Remy Mayo-Martin, Expert Advisor of Global Health and Safety at Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ). Read on for what they had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2023! 

Q: How did you become interested in your topic? 

AC: The pandemic has highlighted the importance of integrating the CDPQ Health and CDPQ Corporate Security teams into one team. During that period, everything had to be analyzed comprehensively: looking at both health and security risks. It therefore became obvious that integrating both teams would help enhance safety and security, improve emergency response and internal communications as well as increase efficiency by having a single point of contact for business travel.  

Q: Tell us about your presentation and why security professionals should have this topic on their radar? 

AC: There are several reasons for security professionals to consider merging Health and Security teams: 

• The changing travel landscape: The pandemic significantly modified the travel landscape, introducing new health risks and challenges. Security professionals need to be aware of these changes and adapt their strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of travelers. 
• An integrated approach: By merging health and security teams, security professionals can develop a more comprehensive and effective approach to travel security. Integrating health considerations into security protocols enables early detection, prevention and mitigation of potential health-related threats. 
• To enhance risk assessment: Merging health and security teams allows for more accurate risk assessment. By considering both health and security factors, professionals can better identify and prioritize potential risks, implement appropriate measures and make informed decisions to protect travelers. 

Q: What advice would you give security professionals interested in this topic? 

RM: My recommendation for any security professionals interested in merging health and security teams would be the following: 

• Foster collaboration: Establish partnerships and collaborate with health professionals, government agencies and relevant stakeholders to exchange information, share best practices and develop coordinated strategies that address both health and security concerns. 
• Training and education: Seek specialized training or certification programs that provide knowledge and skills in travel security and health-related matters. Learn about emerging technologies and tools that can enhance travel security measures. 
• Stay informed: Keep up to date with the latest developments and guidelines from health authorities and security organizations regarding travel safety and pandemic-related risks. 

Q: How do you see this issue evolving in the next 2–5 years? 

RM: Overall, the focus on travel security in a post-pandemic world will continue to evolve. We must adapt our strategies by focusing on merging health and security teams, leveraging technology and adapting to changing regulations and risks. 

• First, we will see increased integration of health and security teams. It will likely become more prevalent and institutionalized. Organizations will recognize the value of a combined approach to travel security and will invest in developing dedicated teams or departments that address both health and security. 
• Second, we will see fast-paced technological progress. Developing and adopting advanced technologies such as biometric screening, contactless processes, real-time health monitoring and artificial intelligence tools will likely play a significant role in enhancing travel security in the post-pandemic world. 
• Lastly, we think there will be some regulatory changes. Governments and international organizations may introduce new regulations and standards to ensure travel security in the post-pandemic era.  

Security professionals will need to stay updated with these changes and adapt their strategies accordingly. 

In anticipation of GSX, we sat down with presenters of upcoming sessions in order to get a better understanding of the topics at hand. This week we are featuring, “The Evolution of Commercial Drones and Security,” presented by William Edwards, CPP, PCI, PSP, President of Federal and Public Safety at Building Intelligence. Read on for what he had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2023!

Q: Tell us about your presentation and why should security professionals have this topic on their radar? 

A: The Evolution of Commercial Drones is an awareness and educational update on the precipitous growth of the commercial drone platform and its implications (positive and negative) on security professionals and the overall concept of security program development. Security professionals are at a point now where consideration for the “air domain” should be a major factor in their programs. Like the advent of cybersecurity and AI, commercial drones, through the lens of recent conflict zone actions has shown and proven that this technology is a security concern and creates risks that have not been addressed properly in the marketspace. The presentation will describe the short history of the commercial drone, discuss positive and negative implications for society, address what the future may hold, and recommend a simple framework to support a security professionals understanding to include easing the stress of “knowing” where to start. This presentation is a walk-through of recent time, highlighting the drone laboratory and the hundreds of experiments created in the Ukraine/Russian War surrounding the drone platform in all its different forms and capabilities. Attendees will walk away with an appreciation for the security implications and begin their journey on understanding how to mitigate the risk. Lastly, the presentation will address the current shortfalls in regulation and law surrounding drones and describe the difficulties with the counter uncrewed aerial system (CUAS) technologies and authorities implementing them.  

Q: What advice would you give security professionals interested in this topic? 

A: Understand the technology, the current mitigation options, the restraints associated with CUAS based on the lack of authorities, regulations, and law. Seriously consider the “air domain” in the overall security program.  

Q: How do you see this issue evolving in the next 2-5 years? 

A: The technology will only continue to grow, mature, and evolve. It will put a significant amount of pressure on businesses that host the public. Large mass gatherings will need to be secured and have the right authorities, training, and certifications to implement a CUAS risk mitigation plan. 

Q: Why do you attend GSX? 

 A: As an ASIS “Triple Crown” certification member, I value GSX for the exposure to technology, the education offerings, the networking, and the opportunity for new connections.  

In anticipation of GSX, we sat down with presenters of upcoming sessions in order to get a better understanding of the topics at hand. This week we are featuring, “Stop The Next Mass Shooter: A Workplace Violence Tabletop Exercise,” presented by Bryan Flannery, President at Foresight Security Consulting, and Charles Ahmad, CPP, Founding Partner at Group Nine Risk Consulting. Read on for what they had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2023!

Q: How did you become interested in your topic? 

CA: I spent the majority of my career with the U.S. Marshals Service locating and apprehending violent felons who were on the run. Fugitive work was something I loved and had wanted to continue until I retired. As it turned out, the Service had other ideas. In 2017 I was reassigned to a Judicial Security Unit and went about the work of protecting members of the federal judicial family, up to and including Supreme Court Justices and a Cabinet member. While it wasn’t something I asked for or ever intended to pursue, I ended up thoroughly enjoying, what was for me, an entirely new area of law enforcement.

Initially, my focus was largely protective intelligence which involved proactively investigating threats of violence to federal judicial officials and facilities. I soon learned about the warning signs displayed by individuals who are planning violent attacks to include mass shootings and found the work both interesting and rewarding. After a couple of years in that role, I was promoted and led the entire unit. My responsibilities then grew to include all aspects of security risk management for multiple courthouses and hundreds of federal judicial officials, and I continued to teach classes on workplace violence and active assailant intervention and response.

Brian and I are very excited and appreciative of the opportunity to present on this topic at GSX 2023! 

Q: Tell us about your presentation and why should security professionals have this topic on their radar? 

CA: Unfortunately, the threat posed by active assailants, such as mass shooters, isn’t going away. To effectively address this ever-increasing threat, I highly encourage security professionals to receive specialized training and to form a threat assessment team within their organization. In forming a multi-disciplinary threat assessment team, reports of concerning behavior can be examined and addressed utilizing an industry accepted framework that has proven effective in numerous cases. As I moved from law enforcement to the private sector, I have committed myself to getting this message out with the ultimate goal of saving lives. 

Q: What advice would you give security professionals interested in this topic? 

BF: Part of preventing workplace violence is understanding that the perpetrators plan, prepare, and are predatory. We must be open to recognizing that while we may not agree with it, the attackers always have a grievance, and helping people solve their issues early will better help us prevent workplace violence. It may seem like a departure from what we consider “normal” security work, but practitioners must be open minded about a new way of thinking about prevention.  

Q: How do you see this issue evolving in the next 2-5 years? 

BF: With a little over a year of distance from the pandemic, more companies returning to the office, and still struggling community resources I believe the next few years will inevitably bring an increase in preventable Workplace Violence incidents. From the reactivity of aggressive pushing and shoving to a targeted attack of tragic violence, leaders should begin bolstering their workplace violence prevention efforts now by creating and maintaining Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams that work cross culturally to include security, HR, and legal.

Leveraging a company’s desire to best serve their employees, security professionals and practitioners should be outspoken evangelists for holistic security programs. Preventative measures like reporting mechanisms, policies, and multi-disciplinary threat assessment and management teams should be parts of the comprehensive programs all organizations strive for. Prevention of targeted violence is certainly the goal, but better care for people can be the standard by which we achieve it.

In anticipation of GSX, we sat down with presenters of upcoming sessions in order to get a better understanding of the topics at hand. This week we are featuring, “Digital Nomads—Securing Today’s Mobile Worker,” presented by Paul Huston, CPP, Corporate Security and Chief Security Officer at BGIS Global Integrated Solutions. Read on for what he had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2023!

Q: Tell us about your presentation and why security professionals should have this topic on their radar. 

A: For many workers, the pandemic has forever shifted how they view the workplace. At one time no one questioned the traffic jams and crowded offices of our 9-5; now, an increasing number of employees are trading their offices for laptops – and the freedom to work wherever they wish – including overseas. With this freedom, however, comes a range of security risks that employees and companies must prepare for. 

Q: What advice would you give security professionals interested in this topic? 

A: Security professionals need to understand their company, their customers, and their employees as they begin to better understand this topic. The security needs for digital nomads vary from industry to industry, with everything from data security laws to taxes and visas impacting a company’s way forward.  

Q: How do you see this issue evolving in the next 2-5 years? 

A: The issue of digital nomads will likely evolve in parallel with the current “in office vs work at home” debate within corporate leaderships. Some would argue the genie is out of the proverbial bottle, while others feel that the easing of COVID restrictions means employees can dedicate more vacation time to their travel wishes.  

Q: Why do you attend GSX? 

A: I attend GSX to learn about the latest trends and issues facing security professionals, and to learn from the best the industry has to offer.  

In anticipation of GSX, we sat down with presenters of upcoming sessions in order to get a better understanding of the topics at hand. This week we are featuring, “Adapt or Die: AI in Security Intelligence Work,” presented by Meredith Wilson, CEO at Emergent Risk International. Read on for what she had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2023!

Q: Tell us about your presentation and why should security professionals have this topic on their radar? 

A: AI has the potential to change the way we think about – and do – almost everything, including every aspect of our jobs. For security professionals the uses – and potential misuses – are endless. At the same time, for some, the urge to ignore these rapid developments – either because the change is coming so fast that we can’t keep up, or because there is a fear that it could replace us – has to be put aside in order for us, our companies, personnel and those with whom we are charged with protecting to survive and thrive. There are so many layers of implications to think through and decisions to be made. No matter what kind of business you are in today, adapting to AI and understanding how to use it to your advantage is imperative. And yet, it’s also a major security concern – from the proliferation of disinformation and fraud to the dangers of misidentification and major cyberthreats. And as security professionals we have to be thinking about this in parallel. In this session, I will talk about some frameworks and buckets for thinking through all these layers and how we can take advantage of the promise of AI while staying vigilant and educating our workforce on some of the downsides at the same time. 

Q: What advice would you give security professionals interested in this topic? 

A: Stay aware, broaden your base of information sources to ensure you are seeing this issue from as many angles as possible. Look for information from technology publications, think tanks, high-quality news publications, journals, and individuals with domain expertise on the topic. Be aware that disinformation and poor information sources are about to multiply exponentially – so it’s more important than ever to improve your capacity for seeking out high quality information sources and to know how to properly vet information. And don’t panic. We are all adapting to this at the same time, and we are all learning. The most important thing we can all do is continue to learn and think critically about what is unfolding. 

Q: How do you see this issue evolving in the next 2-5 years? 

A: Really fast – and in some unpredictable ways. Like many other things we’ve experienced in the past decade, this will mark another massive change in space and time – potentially more than we’ve ever seen before. We won’t be able to control it, but we can control our reaction and preparation for it. 

Q: Why do you attend GSX? 

A: It’s a great event and an amazing opportunity to see what is happening in the world of industrial security. I love the opportunity to connect with so many security professionals with such a wide range of backgrounds, interests, and perspectives! 

In anticipation of GSX, we sat down with presenters of upcoming sessions in order to get a better understanding of the topics at hand. This week we are featuring, “Security Technologies: Five-Emerging Physical Security Technology Trends That Will Define Road Map for Next 5-Years,” presented by Shreeram Marathe, Lead – Security Technology and Automation (O&M) at ADANI. Read on for what he had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2023! 

Q: Tell us about your presentation and why should security professionals have this topic on their radar? 

A: The presentation is about the latest technological advancements that are taking the physical security industry by storm. By knowing about these technologies, a CSO will stay ahead of the curve. These technologies are: 

• Cloud: as a platform for Infra, Software, Services & much more  
• Touchless experience in access control – making the User more than happy
• Advance Data Analytics: Data-driven decision making to optimize cost, enhance performance, increase effectiveness, make security operations more agile. 
• Drone, Robots & Bots – to minimize human dependency, make the security operations risk free, optimize the cost 
• Smart Integrated Buildings – to decrease the number of IoT sensors, convergence of non-security and security tech, integrated command & control, increase the efficiency of employees, sustainable and green. 

Q: What advice would you give security professionals interested in this topic? 

A: The security professionals who are interested in this topic should not miss this presentation. The presentation will provide them with an opportunity to delve deeper into these technologies and evaluate the relevance to physical security operations. These technologies are not new but the applicability of these technologies in physical security is not widespread at present. In the next 5 years or so, the use-cases & implementation of these technologies will be very common in physical security. 

Q: How do you see this issue evolving in the next 2-5 years? 

A: As I write, there is a growing population of physical security professionals who have joined the domain from very diverse and tech-oriented backgrounds such as IoT, information technology, automation, aviation tech etc. This new wave of security professionals is bringing in the rich legacy of these diverse domains into physical security to fast-track the tech-implementation. In the next 2-5 years, tech consumption will grow exponentially in the security domain. 

Q: Why do you attend GSX? 

A: GSX is like ‘Maha Kumbh’ of physical security professionals. The crème de la crème of the security industry participate in GSX and thus for budding professional as well as for pros, it is the greatest opportunity to exchange ideas, share knowledge, introduce path-breaking concepts, and break the glass ceiling. For an international speaker like me, it is possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.