We got you covered.
type here...
Home Blog Page 60

The Truths and Lies in Executive Protection Movies

By
EP Wired Desk
-
0
executive protection movies

When you type in executive protection movies into your preferred browser, you will probably get some interesting recommendations. They mostly originate in Hollywood’s kitchen and revolve around relationships.

Those between the client and the executive protection agent, between potential attackers and principals. However, there’s more to executive protection movies than meets the eye.

For starters, these movies discuss what’s going on behind the curtains and explain the intricacies of EP. Yet somewhat unrealistically.

As expected, all the stories are dramatized but still nicely depict the dangers of the job. Although many aspects are exaggerated for dramatic purposes, some features still resonate with EP agents. And we will discuss those as well.

In most movies, the industry specialists ― and not the clients ― act as the ultimate decision-makers. In contrast, many experts recommend that EP agents listen to the principal to match security measures with their lifestyle. By doing so, they will learn how to be flexible. And flexibility is the next best thing.

You need flexible travel risk assessments. Also, you need flexible plans. Finally, you always require some flexibility while offering protection services.

Note that we didn’t say that principals should determine the next move of the EP agent. Instead, they should be in touch and share as much information as possible.

The Transgressions of EP Movies

Executive protection isn’t about having a few big guys with earpieces and sunglasses around a client. Still, that’s precisely how TV shows and movies describe this profession. If you have ever watched Vantage Point, Taken, or Man on Fire, you know what we mean.

The main characters’ impeccable skillset and outstanding manhood exude a sense of certainty of how the act will play out. Usually, the spectators assume that our EP heroes will defeat the villains and that a happy ending will ensue. That’s why they are called movies.

If anything, you cannot expect certainty in executive protection. There is absolutely no assurance of anything. Even if you plan well and implement all tactics, you can’t be confident of anything. Of course, your flawless plans will reduce the risk potential, but the hazards won’t disappear. They are ever-present and ever-evolving.

And this is what bothers most executive protection agents when they watch any self-declared EP movie. People working in the industry, on the ground, pride themselves on being more than a bodyguard. Although this can sound offensive, there is some truth to it. Bodyguards usually use brute force to defend the client and don’t invest much in planning and contemplation.

That’s where executive protection agents come in. They are an advanced version of protectors. They are planning machines, they are on point, they got everything covered.

Except when they don’t. Humans are flawed, and slips happen all the time.

Finally, we also have some criticism to throw at executive protection movies. They present EP agents and bodyguards either as infallible creatures who think through every detail or as simple-minded soon-to-be cannon fodder. This binary approach is the farthest from the truth, as you probably guessed by now.

Nevertheless, movies are movies because they have people acting in them. And spectators want to see something exciting, and not some boring routines that EP agents perform daily.

Let’s face it. For the most part, EP work is pretty slow and uninteresting. You only hear about it when an incident occurs or when a celebrity gets pied.

executive protection movies
Source: Spotern

The Best EP Related Movies to Watch Now

One EP agent who preferred to stay anonymous says that executive protection movies do not show the long hours of waiting for a client. Out there, in the cold or heat. In the rain or a dangerous environment where somebody could strike you at any point. No movie portrays that aspect of executive protection. Why? Because it looks dull.

In that case, thank God for movies that show us only the fun parts. Who would want to watch a film with an EP agent waiting 5 hours in front of a hotel? Exactly.

Remember this quote?

If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you I don’t have money. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career, skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you let my daughter go now, that’ll be the end of it. I will not look for you. I will not pursue you. But if you don’t, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you.

If you said Liam Neeson, you guessed right.

The drama and tension in this single quote pump us up and increase enjoyment while watching. We don’t think about the rational aspects. Is this actually something an EP agent would say and do? How come the kidnappers found out about his family? And a slew of other questions.

Not intending to ruin your fun with our candid rationality, here are our top picks.

Vantage Point

This movie is a multiple-angle blockbuster. Two state-of-the-art agents, Thomas Barnes and Kent Taylor are supposed to protect the US president during his visit to Spain. However, somebody shoots the president, and an American tourist’s camcorder may be the only way to establish the shooter’s identity. This movie is an American political action thriller by Pete Travis and written by Barry L. Levy.

Man on Fire

Former CIA operative John Creasy is protecting the 9-year-old daughter of a wealthy Mexican businessman. At one point, somebody kidnaps her, and Creasy has to fight corrupt law enforcement and criminals to save her. Some may argue that the movie perfectly explains the unexpected dangers in the executive protection industry. Still, the story behind the film isn’t that common in this line of duty.

Taken

We know we already said that EP specialists don’t have a favorite in movies of this sort. Nevertheless, Taken, a 2008 English-language French action-thriller film, is probably the most engaging one of all. Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen wrote the script, while Pierre Morel directed it.

As new sequences appeared, the hype grew, and people started attributing the movie’s situations to the EP industry. As wrong as that may sound, the Taken series leaves no one indifferent.

Finally, when you watch any movie, just enjoy it, and don’t think about its accuracy. There is a reason why executive protection agents don’t have a favorite but still watch them.

Everybody knows the Matrix franchise is unrealistic, but do people still watch it?

The Most Common Security Risks in the Workplace You Should Know

By
EP Wired Desk
-
0
Security Risks in the Workplace

In 2020, we’ve seen almost every company shift its business operations from the office to home. With that, some old security risks in the workplace went away, and new ones emerged.

If you want to ensure that your business and employees are safe, you need to keep both eyes open for these risks and threats. Of course, to do that, you first need to know what they are and how they happen. So without further ado, let’s get into all the things that can make a work environment feel unsafe.

1. Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are back, and they’re bigger than ever. Well, they never technically left, but we have seen a huge surge of these scams in 2020. Even though the number of phishing sites has gone down this year, the average cost of attacks has increased.

Not only that, but the scams are getting trickier to spot and more intricate. That means that you shouldn’t expect an email from a Nigerian prince, but someone who actually looks like a legitimate business contact.

There are, of course, ways to fend off these phishing attacks, but they all start with staff training and cybersecurity improvements.

2. Unattended Devices

As people are slowly starting to get back to office-life, one thing to be extra careful about is leaving devices unattended. No matter how many people you work with, or how much you trust them, you should still never leave your phones and laptops just sitting about. Anyone could easily come off the street, steal your devices, and hack into your accounts.

Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to take your laptop or PC with you, especially if you’re just going on a break. However, before you go, you should never forget to power down your devices, and preferably lock them away somewhere.

Make sure that you have a strong password, and that all sensitive files are encrypted. That brings us to our next point.

3. Weak Passwords

In addition to phishing scams, one of the biggest security risks in the workplace is weak passwords. Countless small businesses use cloud-based services or multiple platforms to work from. That kind of system requires multiple, complex passwords that would protect all that data and information.

Unfortunately, a lot of people, both at home or work, use a single password to access all that information. Not only that, but the password is often pretty weak, and someone could easily guess it. If you want to see how much time it would take a person to brute force your password, we recommend checking out this fascinating infographic.

But here’s the thing; you can’t expect all your employees to use complex passwords, not save them, or reuse them. Someone would probably get locked out of their account on a daily basis.

That’s why it’s so important to use business password management technology and stay ahead of the game.

4. Insider Threats & Disgruntled Employees

Another one of the most common security risks in the workplace that not a lot of employers think about are insider threats. Disgruntled employees, unhappy associates, or contractors can do quite some damage to your business.

In fact, around 30% of company breaches involve internal actors who have access to your company’s data. They can cause incredible harm to your business and customers, as well as cause financial risk.

Dealing with insider threats is a lot trickier than most other risks because they’re coming from within. No amount of firewalls and cyber protection can stop someone who already has permission to access your database.

To avoid having to deal with so much fallout, your best bet is to put some IT protocols in place. They should be able to identify and cut off any potential threats, and entirely lock them out of your system. You should also always keep track of access to privileged data, and send out alerts whenever you sense suspicious activity.

Security Risks in the Workplace

5. Poor Cybersecurity

Both the good and the bad practices of cybersecurity are being talked about a lot this past year. That’s because we’re now seeing, more than ever, just how much poor cybersecurity can cost a company, and what a huge risk it is.

Now, cybersecurity is basically an umbrella term for countless different things. However, most companies don’t have a centralized department that would deal with these types of security risks in the workplace. Also, a lot of employers don’t put enough emphasis on training their employees and updating their IT policies.

Some of these basic policies should include:

  • Identifying risk
  • Developing processes and procedures regarding security
  • Detecting unauthorized activity
  • Protecting the company’s database and networks
  • Handling risk when it comes to vendors, associates, and third-parties.

Remember, something as simple as updating software on a regular basis can spare your company from a cyber attack.

6. The BYOD Policy

The bring your own device (BYOD) policy is a dangerous one when it comes to a business. Here’s the thing; even if your company has incredible security systems in place, and you’re doing everything right, your policies won’t extend to your employee’s devices. It’s as simple as that.

Sure, being able to work from pretty much anywhere in the world, and on multiple devices is amazing. However, most people don’t really think about how safe their devices are.

They will access the business network or download confidential files to their devices, which usually have little to no protection. From that point on, a scammer could easily get a hold of all the information and access your files.

If you can’t afford to revoke the BYOD policy, there are a couple of things you and your employees can do to protect yourselves. For one, you should ensure that everyone’s using two-factor authentication when accessing company networks. Also, write a policy that says that only those who are using VPNs can log on.

To Sum Up

If you look hard enough, you’ll see that there are a ton of different security risks in the workplace. Even the smallest actions, like leaving a phone unattended during a bathroom break can have massive consequences. The only way around these risks is to put solid security policies in place and ensure that your employees are following them to a T.

If you want to learn more about risks and threats both in the workplace and at home, sign up for our newsletter. There, you’ll see all the latest trends to be on the lookout for, and how you can protect yourself, your clients, and employees from them.

Maze Ransomware Attacks are Preventable – Here’s How

By
EP Wired Desk
-
0
Maze Ransomware Attacks

Maze ransomware attacks relate to malware targeting various organizations. We know that Maze likely operates via an interconnected network. There, Maze developers distribute their proceeds with different groups that deploy Maze in organizational networks.

Usually, what we need to be concerned with in executive protection are physical attacks and intrusions. Yet, there is so much more that can and will go wrong, especially if you are heading a company. One of those things is Maze ransomware attacks.

We need to firstly find out what these attacks are before we can combat them.

Maze got its name because it’s challenging to track the endless number of paths taken through the computer code.

Apart from penetrating your organization’s network, Maze operators usually take advantage of assets in one network to move laterally to other networks. In case the attacked company is an IT services provides, it’s likely that the outbreak spreads to hundreds of customers.

Although you need to know how to code to protect your company personally, hiring companies to do that for you is a better option. It’s pretty cheap and lets you sleep well at night.

How it Gets Into Your Company System

There are many ways how Maze ransomware accesses your system without you realizing it at first. The most frequent attacks happen through standard methodologies, like guessing default or weak passwords. Also, they can employ spear-phishing via email containing a .docx attachment with a malicious macro. Macros are bits of computer code and can be transmitters for malware.

As soon as attackers compromise an initial machine in the network, the malware begins scanning to locate vulnerabilities. If you protected your company well, they can’t get through very quickly. But if not, they will attempt to get to your permissions, accounts, and domain trusts.

As time passes, the malware starts moving laterally in your network. It scans through the compromised machines to find files with plaintext passwords. If this doesn’t work, it attempts to find weak passwords by brute-forcing user or service accounts. A brute-force attack consists of submitting numerous passwords or passphrases with the hope of guessing the right combination.

Of course, that’s not all it does. It also utilizes other techniques, such as LLMNR/NBT-NS Poisoning, to steal network packets. Additionally, as soon as the malware finds a valid credential, it uses known Windows interfaces. These include SMB, WinRM, and RDP and serve to move laterally and execute code on remote machines.

The perfect Trojan horse, some would say.

The intruders want to maintain their presence in the network for as long as possible. They impose backdoors and ways to retake control. Operators are intelligent beings, so they try to compromise the system a second time if someone detects or removes their malware.

Finally, remember that ransomware attacks are called that for a reason. Criminals use them to extort money. And there are a lot of things people are prepared to do for money.

Maze Ransomware Attacks

Prevent It From Getting In

Unfamiliar USBs and clicking on unverified links could be the leading cause of Maze ransomware invading your networks. Luckily, there are some easy techniques you can use to stop them from infecting your company.

Remember that message Google displays in your Gmail account every time somebody suspicious sends you an email? Well, that’s what they are trying to protect us from ― malicious software. It could get into your network through an email attachment. Simply don’t engage with attachments from senders you know nothing about.

Repeat after us: I will always first check who the email is from and establish that the email address is correct.

As soon as you verify these two steps, you eliminate about 90% probability of getting infected. If an attachment doesn’t look genuine, then it probably isn’t. Worst case scenario, call the person from who the email is supposed to be. Double-check with them if they recently sent you an email.

Some temptations are difficult to resist. And downloading free content is one of them. Maze ransomware attackers are well aware of that. For this reason, they try to get you to download software and media files from unknown websites. If the site uses ‘http’ instead of ‘https,’ then you might be in danger.

As technology evolves, so do attackers. They find glitches in the system and try to implement a breach. Fortunately, web developers and tech companies are continually upping their game. They regularly improve the software and apps and are always two steps ahead of their malicious adversaries.

That’s why you must update your software and operating system whenever an update is due. Your naggy computer or smartphone might never stop asking you to get the latest version. And that’s a good thing. When you upgrade, you benefit from the latest security patches. That prevents cybercriminals from exploiting vulnerabilities in your system.

What to Do If It Gets In Anyway

If any of this happens and you find yourself between a rock and a hard place, here are a few suggestions.

Never pay the ransom they are asking from you. Cybercriminals will ask you for a ton of money but don’t pay them a dime. Think of it this way: If you pay the money, there is no guarantee they will return your data. If you let them push you around and make the payment, you encourage them to repeat this behavior.

Quarantine your computer at all costs. If you find out that you are under attack, quickly disconnect from any networks and the internet. The ransomware infection won’t have a chance to spread to other computers. The sooner you find out about the attack, the smaller the damage they inflict.

Last but not least, back up your data. If a Maze ransomware attack hits you hard, ensure you backed up all your files safely. That way, you are mostly protected from data loss. And the attackers can’t ask you for money, so they give you back your files. Although it looks like a Pyrrhic victory, it’s better than them getting away with all your valuable information.

Don’t forget that you can always use the following simple steps to prevent or minimize Maze ransomware attacks:

  • Look for weak passwords,
  • Limit account privileges,
  • Detect stealthy admins, and
  • Enforce adaptive authentication.

All this can help you live a carefree life and never worry again about cybercriminals damaging your company’s networks ― and livelihoods.

Executive Protection Dress Code — Dressing for the Part

By
EP Wired Desk
-
0
executive protection dress code

If you’ve ever seen an EP professional on the street, doing their thing, you’ve probably noticed how dapper they look. Well, that’s not by chance or luck, and most of them actually have to follow a somewhat strict executive protection dress code. Sure, it’ll vary from one client to the next, and from one professional to the other, but it all usually boils down to the same thing.

There are a ton of reasons that explain the professional getup, and countless different ways you could do it. So here are the basics of the executive protection dress code explained, along with some pro tips on how you can achieve the look.

Why It Matters What You Wear

No matter what your current assignment entails or who your client is, you always have to dress for the part. What’s more, you should always be ready and have outfits that you could throw on at a moment’s notice. After all, efficiency is the name of the game.

But more importantly, your clothes will tell a story of who you are, and what’s important to you. So picking out an outfit or finding the right style for the job is trickier than it seems.

However, a general rule of thumb in the EP world is that it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed for the occasion. You’re more likely to stick out like a sore thumb with a T-shirt and sneakers than a business-casual outfit.

Basically, what we’re trying to say here is that, if you want to be taken seriously in the EP industry, you need to find your style. Also, you should always plan ahead (as much as you can) to avoid drawing negative attention to yourself.

Breaking Down the Executive Protection Dress Code

Now that you know the importance of an executive protection dress code, it’s time to get into the specifics. Let’s talk about the exact elements you should be focusing on, and which ones you can afford to be laidback about.

But remember, building an entire wardrobe doesn’t happen over night. It takes time, which is why it’s always best to start with some basic, high-quality pieces, and build your way up.

Suits

More often than not, you’ll be expected to wear a suit, which is why it needs to be a staple in your wardrobe. Ideally, you’d get a suit that’s specifically tailored to you, but if you’re just starting out, that’s probably not an option.

Either way, go to a tailor or a store and have someone take your exact measurements. From then on, finding the right suits, shirts, jackets, and everything else in between will be much easier.

Also, another thing to remember is that you can never go wrong with a dark suit. Opt for navy, dark gray, or black suits in the beginning because they’ll be simple to style. Steer clear of flashy suits, bright colors, and prints because they’ll make you seem less professional.

Jackets

When it comes to choosing and wearing jackets, there are a few simple rules to follow. For one, they should never be too big and go all the way to your knees, or too short, and sit above your butt.

Also, unless you know that your assignment is going to be in a tropical/desert area, go for the lined jackets. Always unbutton jackets when you’re sitting down, and if you’re wearing something double-breasted, do the inside button, too.

Pants

No matter your gender, if you’re in the EP industry, pants are always the most comfortable thing you can wear. One of the basics of the executive protection dress code when it comes to pants is that they should have at least a little bit of stretch. Try to find something that has 1% or 2% elastomer because it’s comfortable, but also pretty form-fitting.

Ties

executive protection dress code Contrary to popular belief, a lot of EP pros don’t really wear ties on a regular basis. That’s simply because they don’t need to; unless they’re at a black-tie event.

However, if you do choose to wear a tie, make sure that it goes well with the suit you’re wearing, and that it’s the right size. It should hit your belt buckle precisely, and ideally, you should be able to do a Windsor knot.

Socks

When it comes to the executive protection dress code for socks, the rules are pretty simple — nothing white. Unless you’re working out, white socks have no business being a part of your outfit.

Socks should cover your calf, and be the same color as either your suit or your shoes. Again, we recommend investing in breathable and comfortable materials, like 100% cotton.

Shoes

One of the biggest staples of your whole entire outfit has to be shoes, no matter what. Sometimes, the job requires you to be on the go or standing still for 15, 16 hours a day.

So when you’re looking into buying shoes, you do need to look for style, but even more importantly, comfort. Of course, we’re not saying that you have to spend a fortune on them, but the three key components that you should keep in mind are:

  • Outsole
  • Insole
  • Heel

Accessories

As far as accessories go in the EP industry, they’re definitely welcomed, but shouldn’t be overdone. If you’re not sure how to mix and match, you can follow two simple pairings.

For one, your cufflinks, tie, and pocket square should always match, and should never be too bold or flashy. Also, coordinate your belt, shoes, and socks so that they all go together.

If you want to wear sunglasses, we recommend a polarized pair that has a high UV protection rating. Remember to take them off indoors, or you’ll look amateurish and unprofessional.

Black-Tie Events

Ideally, for a black-tie event, you could just put on a suit or pantsuit, and go about your day. However, since you’re in the business of blending in, and not standing out, that’s not always an option.

Even though you’re attending a formal event, you still need to incorporate functionality and form into your outfit. For men, you could wear a dark-colored suit, and put a bowtie on, along with a watch.

However, if you’re a woman in the EP industry, it’s a bit more complicated than that. If you don’t want to stand out too much, you should wear a formal dress, but one that doesn’t restrict your movement.

To Sum Up

We know that all these rules and guidelines might feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just entering the EP industry. However, after a while, choosing an outfit for the job will be second nature, and you won’t be second-guessing yourself constantly.

The absolute best advice we can give you when it comes to the executive protection dress code is not to over-do it. Take your time finding the right pieces, buy tailored suits when you can, and try to enjoy the process.

If you have any questions or comments for us, drop them all down below! And if you want to keep up with the EP industry, consider signing up for our newsletter.

A Year in Review: Physical Security Industry Trends That Stood Out

By
EP Wired Desk
-
0
Physical Security Industry Trends

At the start of 2020, security industry pros made some predictions on how the year would turn out. However, through no fault of their own, none of those really panned out. Instead, in 2020, we saw the rise of some physical security industry trends that no one could anticipate.

With everything moving from the physical world into the cyber one, the security industry was kind of shaken up. That transition led to some new trends emerging, and others fading into the background.

So let’s take a look at all the things that happened this year, why they’re so important, and what’s in store for the security industry.

The Events That Shaped the Industry in 2020

Unless you’ve been under a rock this past year, in which case, lucky you, you’ll know that 2020 was hit with a pandemic. That has impacted the physical security industry, as well as most others, in massive ways.

For starters, the biggest physical security systems manufacturers completely stopped their operations for a few months. Getting supplies in and out was almost impossible to do, and it was beyond expensive.

On the other hand, even though the supply was almost non-existent, the demand was bigger than ever. Companies and governments wanted to do remote monitoring, especially in all containment zones.

In addition to monitoring huge areas, people also wanted to implement new video surveillance technology to protect their businesses. They wanted to prevent thefts, burglaries, and unauthorized access in both commercial and residential areas.

Beside the pandemic, the biggest factors that influenced the physical security industry trends were:

  • Terrorist threats and attacks
  • Expansion of smart cities
  • Technological advancements

As things stand right now, we believe that all these trends will carry over into the future. That’s why, moving forward, it’s important to come up with strategies that will address all these things specifically.

Exploring All the Physical Security Industry Trends of 2020

Before we get into our predictions for the next year, and how we think it’ll all play out, let’s first reflect on 2020.

1. Vehicle-Ramming Attacks Continue

Even though most people spent the first couple of months of 2020 inside, we’ve seen a surge in vehicle-ramming attacks. Vehicle ramming is a terrorist tactic that’s been used for decades, but it shows no signs of stopping.

Recently, we talked about how operating different types of vehicles is one of the most important EP skills anyone can have. However, a big part of the security industry downplays it, which is why vehicle attacks are becoming so popular again.

So one of the biggest physical security trends this year was trying to fix that issue through better training. We expect that it’ll carry over into 2021, and it’s important to take note of it, no matter if you’re a security officer or own a training facility.

2. Third-Party Identity Management Is on the Rise

Physical identity and access management (PIAM) is quickly gaining a lot of popularity in both the physical and cybersecurity industries. The main reason behind the demand is that airports, energy plants, and big companies, in general, are all looking to tighten up their security.

However, instead of making their own security teams, companies want to outsource the job. Most of them want to find a single company to do employee and customer verification, as well as deal with giving and revoking access.

Nowadays, companies are looking for a single, centralized system that would handle the entire PIAM process. While implementing it at first might cost a pretty penny, it’s more than worth it in the long run.

Also, just like vehicle-ramming, cybersecurity, and advanced video surveillance, the PIAM trend shows no signs of stopping. So unless you want to fall behind, you need to get familiar with the technology and do it fast.

3. Drone Usage Is Soaring

In the year of social distancing, we’ve seen more people using drones than ever before. Drones prices have become much more accessible, which is in part why so many people are starting to use them. Also, learning how to operate drones and use them to your advantage has become really easy.

From a physical security point of view, drones are both a headache and a blessing. A single drone can patrol a huge area, and cover grounds that would normally take quite a few guards. So they’re making surveillance easier and more cost-effective.

But then, there’s the other side, and that’s the fact that competitors, terrorist groups, and just bad apples, in general, can use it against your business. That’s why it’s so important to have the proper laws and restrictions when it comes to using drones.
Physical Security Industry Trends

Which Physical Security Industry Trends Do We Predict for 2021?

We all have pretty high hopes when it comes to 2021, and the physical security industry trends that we expect to see. Here are our top three predictions for the following year, and how we think that they’ll all play out.

1. Ransomware Attacks Increase

One thing that companies all over the world realized during this pandemic is that their cybersecurity is, for the most part, terrible. Thanks to the fact that everyone was working from home, and using unsafe networks, ransomware attacks have skyrocketed.

The attackers have become smarter, and they’re switching up their tactics all the time. They’re extorting companies and individuals, and threatening to bring down entire systems.

That’s why we assume that one of the biggest physical security industry trends in 2021 will be learning how to deal with these attacks both online and offline.

2. Higher Demand for Security Personnel

A lot of the trends we’ve already mentioned require companies to invest in security and hire new staff. Also, a lot of them are investing in training and teaching their existing staff on how to deal with new threats.

So even though a lot of other industries seem to be struggling right now, it’s pretty much business as usual in the EP world. What’s more, a lot of companies are considering remote security workers, which is incredibly interesting.

Basically, what we’re trying to say is that, while there are certainly a lot of threats, there will also be a ton of opportunity in 2021.

3. Physical & Cybersecurity Intertwine

Physical and cybersecurity have always been two separate and distinct entities. Well, until now.

With all the technological improvements, a cyber-attack has real-life consequences. So the only way to create a truly comprehensive security system is to combine the best of both worlds.

Bottom Line

2020 caught everyone off guard, and no one really knew exactly what they were doing or how they should be doing it. We’ve seen a lot of threats and risks move from the offline world to the online one, but the industry still hasn’t quite caught up with it all just yet.

The physical security industry trends that are going to emerge in 2021 will definitely follow a lot of the ones already established in 2020. However, we can’t guarantee that newer, even scarier threats won’t rise up tomorrow. So make sure that you’re always keeping both eyes open, and you should be able to adapt just fine.

On the Go: Executive Protection Tools You Need the Most

By
EP Wired Desk
-
0
Executive protection tools

Since the onset of human civilization, we have used tools to improve our lives and defend ourselves. In the meantime, the circumstances have dramatically changed Still, many professions nowadays use various equipment, and EP is no different. Executive protection tools are an extended arm of every professional security specialist.

Say you go to visit a dentist. What can they do about your toothache if they don’t have dental probes and drills, spoon excavators, and all the rest? Not much. They could potentially comfort you by saying a few encouraging words. Tap you on the back, perhaps.

On the other hand, in this line of work, your client demands that you know which executive protection tools to use and how to utilize them. Kind words of don’t worry, my dear principal, I know God will shield us from harm just won’t do the trick. Please don’t take our word for it. Try it for yourself.

As attackers and intruders grew more complex, so did the companies that produce protective gear and equipment. Unfortunately, both EP agents and criminals have access to these tools and can use them to their advantage. The trick is to apply them tactically and make plans. All this will give you the upper hand in this confrontation.

The Mindset of EP Tool Use

Dozens of companies out there produce hundreds of products for this industry. We will mention some of them in this article. However, since training is vital in executive protection, we recommend that you first check out The Fundamentals of Executive Protection Training here on EP Wired.

The main point is that you don’t need all of your equipment all the time with you. Apart from harming your physical health due to the weight, it could also make you slower and more vulnerable to attacks. So dissect all options and carry only the most necessary equipment for each work task.

Still, many individuals from military and law enforcement backgrounds heavily rely on gear. They get carried away. And sometimes more than they should, forgetting that it’s only part of the job.

Task, Threat and Environment

The rules of executive protection postulate that you base your equipment use solely on the holy trinity of task, threat, and environment. This cycle has to be an ongoing mental process, and it keeps your mind sharp all the time while doing your job.

By task, we mean defining your purpose and providing the base for all of your decisions. Some experts like to use the five W’s for this purpose: when, what, who, where in order to why. An example of this would be: Transport Mr. Jacob from Munich Airport to HQ in order to provide safe transportation and personal protection.

By threat, we refer to the profiles of your principal, event, and even that of a potential attacker. It will help you know which gear to take with you on the task. Occasionally, you can use a sub-cycle for this goal. It encompasses the following elements: Intentional, Unintentional, and Embarrassing. Think of Top 5 Celebrity Protection Scandals, and you will never forget this step in the process of the holy trinity.

By environment, we mean continually assessing and maintaining awareness of your environment. It has its own sub-cycle entailing Inner, Middle, and Outer. It would be best if you continuously adapted to your specific circumstances and requirements. We don’t recommend being static and sterile, but always evolving with the environment.

Finally, use these three factors to provide the absolute best close protection to your clients. Always think about understanding your task in detail, establishing threat profiles, and endlessly assessing your environment. If there ever were solutions to countless problems in EP, this is it.

Executive Protection Tools

What to Wear and How

Wearing particular clothes is also an important aspect of executive protection. What you wear could mean the difference between everybody seeing your weapon on the hip and keeping it incognito. Just in case you weren’t sure, you should go with the second option. Nobody needs to know what you tucked in around your belt.

Take a look at yourself in the mirror before going out and try out different body positions. That way, you can ensure that people won’t notice all that equipment you carry around with you.

You need to consider three typical attires: business casual, business attire, and casual dress. For obvious reasons, you won’t use the third type a lot.

Specific Executive Protection Tools

In any case, what you will need almost always are well made and versatile holsters, which is why we recommend Precision Holsters Ultra Carry Elite. Its patented design allows the holster to pull the butt of the firearm grip towards the body, which results in more concealment. The minimalist design and premium cowhide leather backing will provide hours of comfort.

When you are on the go, you will have to carry an on-body medkit, like the Individual Protective Agent’s Kit. According to the manufacturer, the IPAK includes a practical and easy-to-use bleeding control dressing that controls bleeding in puncture wounds, lacerations, and other traumatic injuries. The kit consists of a portable-multi-purpose tourniquet and pressure bandage.

Some executive protection agents prefer to carry knives. And that’s okay. Nevertheless, they should do it with style. If it seems inappropriate to bring a full-blown army knife, perhaps a small multi-tool with a clip could be your thing. For instance, we recommend Gerber Crucial. It’s practical and doesn’t stand out as much.

One of the essential aspects of EP is communication. When you find yourself in an emergency, you don’t need your communication tools bailing out on you. Secure, encrypted comms are of the essence in this sense. That’s why using a field-programmable radio with a DMR is a winning combination.

You use the radio to program into whatever frequencies and codes you need. Additionally, you use DMR, or Digital Mobile Radio to program in encryption. These tools got you covered in any situation.

When a sophisticated attack occurs, lights can go out. That’s hugely inconvenient and dangerous in apartment buildings and hotels with no backup generators. For that emergency, you need flashlights. And we mean ultra-slick, durable, small-sized flashlights when you are on the go. Try out EDC Flashlights. You won’t regret it.

The Take-Away

If you take anything away from this article, make sure you remember the holy trinity: task, threat, and environment. Tailor the use of your specific executive protection tools to these three components. Furthermore, be open to new options, tactics, and techniques. Always keep on evolving and improving.

To stay on top of your game, experiment with as many different types of equipment and gear as possible. But don’t become entangled too much with that, since that’s not your no. 1 responsibility. Protecting your client is.

As soon as you master the basics of using executive protection tools, you will almost certainly become invincible in performing your work tasks. At the very least, hiring companies will scramble to get you on their team. And you sure want that.

Why You Need an Executive Protection Plan

By
EP Wired Desk
-
0
executive protection plan

What’s an executive protection plan? In plain terms, it’s a security plan that guarantees no threats and the client invulnerability.

The ultimate goal of executive protection is to provide a safe and secure environment. It’s not to have a shadowy person observing every step you make or every breath you take. The idea behind EP involves all the protection principles, including determining actual and potential vulnerabilities and careful analysis and preparation. The third pillar, however, is to implement a well-conceived executive protection plan.

With these three guiding points in mind, EP agents will get their job done far quicker and efficiently.

When you see the words guarantee and executive protection close together, it could make you frown. And for a good reason. No one can predict everything ― not even the best EP team.

Yes, you read that right: not even the best EP team.

Still, what an executive protection plan does is minimize the likelihood of something nefarious happening.

Basics of Resilient Executive Protection Plans

A successful plan of this kind employs available resources and conducts proper strategies and tactics. Last but not least, it accounts for emergencies. Nevertheless, a security plan’s goal is not to produce the most rigid and extensive protection scheme. On the contrary, it’s supposed to be sufficiently flexible to allow the client to engage in all activities under the safest circumstances.

In other words, being an operational mobility expert is of massive help in this case.

As with any job, creating an EP plan includes teamwork between the protectors and the client. Additionally, it requires the analytical processing of information, ethical conduct, and understanding of human factors. Having all of this is crucial and not up for discussion.

Differently put, apart from working as an EP specialist, you should also possess social skills. That’s because around 50% of your job is to find stuff out and not shoot at a potential attacker.

If your client isn’t sharing all the information they have, that will cripple you to protect them. This behavior creates information cracks and potential risks for both your principal and their family. But what can you do if your client is reluctant to tell you about their plans?

For one, you can ask their colleagues, staff, and family members. Get the know-how before you establish how to act.

Collect as much information as possible to produce a watertight EP plan.

And remember that you aren’t a bulldog for anyone to push around. Just because your client asks you to get into a fight with someone for no good reason, don’t do it. You have your security plan in place, so don’t deviate from it. Your primary task is to protect the principal and make sure their surroundings are secure.

That’s why it’s of the utmost importance to have an open relationship with your principal and surroundings. The more you know about them, the better your executive protection plan will be.

executive_protection_plan

Why You Need an EP Plan

Ever since one person took up a stick to protect another, the reasons for personal protection remained more or less the same. What has changed is that we have become more sophisticated in how we protect one another. For example, we now use advance tools and gadgets and are seasoned in hand-to-hand combat.

The central postulate of protective services is to defend the principal from all likely dangers by minimizing the risks from the following:

  • Intentional injury,
  • Unintentional injury,
  • Embarrassment,
  • Unauthorized release of information, such as the principal’s schedule.

As you can see, you need to prevent all of this from happening, not just ensure your principal’s physical safety. Finally, the answer to the question of when an executive protection plan is redundant is ― never! It is always useful if you work in the industry or even intend to. No client will hire you if you don’t know how to produce a comprehensive EP plan.

Speaking of questions, an executive protection agent and their team should always ask: what if? When the right what-if questions are asked and answered, the outcome is usually a successful and safe trip.

Similarly, there’s the saying that common sense isn’t that common. That might be true more in executive protection than any other field. We say this because EP specialists sometimes forget to ask common-sense questions before embarking on a journey. The biggest enemy of sound EP plans is people becoming wrapped up in standardization, ambiguity, and bureaucracy.

Contrary to that, it would be best if you had flexibility.

Flexible is Better

Having a strict and tight EP plan also comes with downsides. Protecting your principal also means maintaining a relaxed posture to accommodate the good relations among the client, staff, hosts, and public. When you repeatedly emphasize that you are the expert and not your principal, that could backfire terribly.

Moreover, it’s likely to result in minimal cooperation from the people whose collaboration is most decisive.

The chances are you aren’t the first EP agent to protect your client. There probably have been others before you. We say this because a good security plan develops, builds on, and updates plans that other security teams created. No matter how good the plan seems to be, you can always improve it. Just remember Murphy’s Law of anything that can go wrong, will.

Now, if that’s not your weekly boost of motivation, then we don’t know what is.

Jokes aside, there is also a different aspect of devising a security plan to consider. If you are traveling abroad or to a dangerous neighborhood, pay close attention to the local climate. That includes finding out about local issues, planned demonstrations, and political disruption.

Your number one priority in this sense is to delay or cancel potential attacks for as long as possible. Attackers will undoubtedly search for ways to weaken your defenses. Thus, it’s your job to look at your executive protection plan from the standpoint of violators.

That way, you can be overly critical towards it and correct course if needed. And boy, will it be necessary on most days!

Most importantly, a security plan must integrate alarms, cameras, lights, and other actions. It’s vital to look at a plan of this kind holistically, as in including multiple aspects and not only focusing on individual levels.

Producing an excellent executive protection plan is the first and last step in ensuring the safety of everyone. Try it!

How to Know You are Doing Advance Work

By
EP Wired Desk
-
0
Advance Work

Many industry specialists would argue that all executive protection levels are equally important — both the basic and advance work. The first type is the actual work on the ground, protecting your principal with your body.

On the other hand, advance work is necessary to prepare for successful protection against anything that man or nature can create.

What is Advance Work All About?

Anticipation, planning, and preparation are three primary categories an executive protection agent should be familiar with. Without these, you can’t start to fathom the basics of advance work. Simply put, here are the three steps to consider when preparing for a demanding task.

You should anticipate:

  • Anything that would, could, or might happen to endanger the safety of the place, person, or thing you are protecting;
  • Anyone who may target the person, place, or thing and harm them;
  • Everything you can do to prevent something that could endanger the person, place, or thing.

You should plan:

  • The method and means of protection;
  • The itinerary of the person under your protection;
  • Emergency contingencies;
  • Alternative plans;
  • The logistics and specific instructions for all those who take part in the protective assignment.

Thirdly, before you start moving, visit every site and explore all there is to know about the destination. Scrutinize all the people, inspect the entrances and exits, electrical maintenance, heating and air conditioning ducts. Investigate the parking, emergency response, and pretty much everything you can get your hands on.

Advance work is all about preventing and not reacting. Its purpose is to avoid embarrassment, accidental injury, planned assaults, and harassment. Furthermore, your task is to help the VIP in maintaining their schedule. And what better way to do it than in-depth planning?

Just use this formula: anticipate, plan, and prepare! And you will be almost unstoppable, or at least you will get to keep your job.

Mitigate Hazards with Advance Work

There are two types of attacks in executive protection: unsophisticated and sophisticated attacks. Advance work helps you mitigate the risks of both. Still, the issue with attacks is that attackers have an unfair advantage. Meaning, they choose the time, place, and methods of attacking. So there is only so much you can do.

Apart from devising an executive protection plan, you can use advance work to deter most attackers and reduce the traveler’s vulnerability.

As EP experts often like to say, the time to stop an attack is before it happens. So the only way you can do that is by applying preventative measures. And you guessed right: prevention is the consequence of preparation, anticipation, and planning.

Bear in mind that it’s too late to take preventive measures once an attack occurs. If a group of criminals sprays the area with 9mm rounds, you can only wish you prepared, planned, and anticipated better. Of course, apart from begging God that you survive.

In a nutshell, high-level protection entails a thorough analysis of potential issues and a capable person to prevent them all. Besides, you should be familiar with the principal’s itinerary, logistics, and venue. In other words, whom the client will meet and travel with.

Find out everything about everything, like your client’s life depended on it. Because it does.

Advance Work

Origins and Future

During the 1960 presidential campaign of John F. Kennedy, the staff advance person concept became popular. Although devised and perfected before that, the industry adopted it during the Kennedy campaign. In the modern era, most security organizations and government agencies use advance work to protect VIPs, celebrities, and politicians.

Executive protection agents travel ahead of the VIP. Therefore this area of expertise is called advance work. An advance comprises of carefully and personally inspecting all venues and rooms the principal will visit. More than that, the EP agent has to determine what facilities are available and meet with the host committee.

It has become commonplace for the advance work specialist to be in charge of the job’s nonsecurity-related segment. This practice is neither recommended nor ideal. So know what your responsibilities are because not everything is part of your job. You already have enough on your plate.

Furthermore, the light shines bright on the future of advance work. Today, it’s unimaginable to think about executive protection without it.

This aspect of executive protection has advanced so much that encryption has become its integral part. Experts have found ways to use encrypted communication to allow clients to communicate anonymously. That is especially relevant if the principal is traveling to a country where people dislike them.

Apart from fending off haters, encryption keeps data secure and protects sensitive information. And all this shows the wide range of expanding domains advance work covers.

Checklists in Advance Work

More than anything else, executive protection agents swear by checklists. They are concise and useful when implementing many actions that may otherwise require reading through volumes of books. Additionally, most EP agents have inherited them from their industry mentors.

When EP specialists think about advance work, the first thing that comes to mind is checklists. So, if you just got the right kind in place, you are ready for anything, right? Not quite. Advance work demands a lot more than that.

Besides, there have been instances where a principal has a heart attack or a health issue. To mitigate the risk of that, find out the location of hospitals. No matter where you are, there should be at least one decent facility to treat your client if something happens. If you had a checklist, you could just check that item off, hence its usefulness. You can never forget it because it’s written somewhere.

To put the cherry on the cake, perhaps you can get an EMT certification. That will allow you to waste no time while traveling to the nearest hospital. Sometimes minutes and even seconds matter more than any surgery.

The Most Important Aspect of Executive Protection

As they can prevent harm from coming to the client, advances are the essential aspect of EP. They not only safeguard the client but also ensure their peace of mind. That is especially important when a principal is traveling for an important business meeting. You don’t want them to be worried or think about their safety. That’s why they have you.

Being proactive rather than reactive is the cornerstone of advance work and executive protection. Without it, EP would only be brute force, to say the least.

Top 10 Executive Protection Companies in 2020

By
EP Wired Desk
-
0
executive protection companies
source: www.pinterest.es/pin/824299538029002486

The executive protection industry saw massive growth over the last few years. The top 10 executive protection companies in 2020 are the ones dictating the criteria of success on the market.

The best executive protection companies in the world are the ones that are able to quickly adapt to the evolving changes in the modern world. Nowadays, EP companies follow the trend of offering highly educated specialist support available to their clients 24 hours a day.

The global security market is expected to reach around 167 billion dollars by 2025! In other words, the demand for executive protection services worldwide is increasing rapidly.

And to help you navigate through this interesting industry, we prepared a list of the top 10 executive protection companies of 2020.

Curious? Good, just keep on reading.

What It Takes to Be in the Top 10 Executive Protection Companies List

Trust is everything in the security industry.

Why? Well, because executive protection requires a tight relationship with the client. Trustworthiness and reliability are crucial conditions to judge a company.  Most of the companies on our list are several decades old and well established on the market. That speaks volumes concerning the trust that they command in this industry.

Of course, the list includes companies of different ages and unique services.

Some of the main ranking criteria for the top 10 executive protection companies are:

  • Company history
  • Provision of exclusive services
  • Awards and contribution to the EP industry
  • Clients base

Also, you`ll notice each of the listed companies has something with which it stands out. Now, to the exciting part!

AS Solution

Christian West established the company AS Solution back in 2003, with headquarters in Bellevue, Washington. The company is considered a global leader in corporate executive protection and secure transportation services. AS Solution boasts of having a special combination of experience and expertise, which makes its client-centered approach unique.

AS Solution is a huge company, providing security services globally. Some of their programs include:

  • remote travel assistance and evacuations,
  • intelligence analysis,
  • maritime security,
  • corporate investigation,
  • security training.

When it comes to executive protection, AS Solution are specialists in that field. They pay special attention to travel risk management, residential security, unique event management, and close protection agents.

AS Solution’s Global Training Academy delivers training and courses for executive protection professionals who want to improve their careers.

The company even publishes its own books about diverse security topics. It’s their way to keep the employees highly skilled and competent for every specific situation.

Northcott Global Solutions

Northcott Global Solutions is a company that operates from London, UK, and they have a pretty big following. The main reason that Northcott got so popular is that it offers a wide variety of services.

In fact, some of the things that Northcott is most famous for include:

  • Medical and non-medical assistance
  • International emergency response
  • Risk and crisis management
  • Remote logistics

These are just a few of the most popular services that they have on their website, but there’s much more. Northcott offices operate 24/7, which is why they’re able to respond so quickly to all incidents.

Gavin de Becker & Associates

Gavin de Becker & Associates is a California-based security and consulting company. It was set up in 1978, by Gavin de Becker. With more than 40 years of history, the company highlights its leading expertise in the protection of public figures.

GDBA emphasizes that the company is a National Security service provider. The CIA, US Capitol Police, and the Department of Justice are some of the names on their extensive client list. They are always developing new security strategies to provide services on a desirable level. All of these facts make GDBA an influential provider of security services in the USA and around the world.

Also, the executive protection services that GDBA offers are pretty broad as well. They provide protective coverage at home, during traveling and public appearances, background check-ups for client’s employees, managing cases of inappropriate pursuit, and much more.

The most notable feature of GDBA is its collaboration with veterans on security matters. Military veterans from California have some unique benefits while working for this company.

DynCorp International

The motto of DynCorp is “We serve today, for a better tomorrow.”

It was founded in 1951, and the company’s name dates back to 1987. DynCorp is a leading global security service provider, and they deliver readiness. This is the underlying idea behind every type of service they offer.

The company is proud of its tradition of being a partner to commercial, government, and military customers for over 70 years.

DynCorp has a veterans’ commitment policy as well. In November 2020, they were the top-ranking company on the Best Companies for Veterans list. The rate of 84% of the total hires is veterans, making this company really stand out.

GardaWorld

This Canadian company is based in Montreal, Quebec. GardaWorld describes itself as the world’s largest privately-owned security company.

When it comes to executive protection services, this company provides elite personal protection and security solutions. Their clients come from all around the world. From 2003, they offer services even in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

executive protection companies
Source: bomacanada.ca

GardaWorld describes their bodyguards as highly trained and low-profiled. Executive officers are qualified to work in high-risk situations and complex environments. What’s more, the company offers specialized diplomatic and commercial clients executive protection.

GardaWorld received the BOMA Pinnacle Award for Customer Service in 2019. This award recognizes the commitment of GardaWorld to their clients.

Focus Point

Focus Point is one of the biggest competitors in the game, which is exactly why they’ve made it into our top 10 executive protection companies list. Even though the company’s US-based, it has a total of 19 offices all over the world, and it operates on all five continents.

The three main services that Focus Point offers include:

  • Travel risk management
  • Crisis management
  • Medical assistance

When it comes to travel risk management, Focus Point works with individual or group travelers, corporations, as well as travel and insurance providers. The company’s main focus is on evacuation, risk intelligence, and duty of care.

Pinkerton Government Services

This company was founded by the famous detective and spy, Allan Pinkerton. In the 1950s, the company’s name was the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. It has provided protection services around the world for many decades now.

Pinkerton’s main slogan is “We never sleep” – which is very cleverly used in the service type that the company offers. The company provides more comprehensive executive protection security options than most of the other typical programs.

In 2018, the company introduced a new concept called Applied Risk Science. It entails using data and machine learning technology to improve managing the risks, which is a novelty idea in the security industry.

The Senaca Group

This security company is among the younger ones.  It was founded in 2004, based in Ireland, and with offices all around Europe and Canada.

Executive protection is included in their Risk Management Services. The company offers executive guards and patrols. Also, it collaborates with the government to find customized security solutions that it feels are lacking in the Irish market.

Another interesting feature of this company is its leadership. At the head of the company are two security professionals – Jim Farrel, an ex-Irish Army Special Forces major, and security veteran, Terry Downes, who co-founded the Senaca Group in 2009.

executive protection companies
Source: guardwellprime.com

Unity Resources Group

Another relatively young company in the security protection services market comes from Australia. It was set up in 2000, with its head office in Singapore.

Unity Resources Group prides itself on offering reliable solutions in an unreliable world. They have a worldwide network of clients. What makes this company stand out is its readiness to work beyond typical service lines.

This security company is famous for having one of the biggest private armies in the world. It was engaged in securing the Australian embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.

The Unity Resources Group’s executive protection services are best showcased by their event security guards and asset security. They proudly point out their collaborations with many governments, non-government, and commercial clients.

TSU Protection Services

TSU Protection Services company is a representative of the African security services market.

The founder Chris Beukes is a former South African policeman and Special Forces officer. The company’s primary dedication is executive protection services.

Since 1999, this company is trying to make up for the shortage of trained professionals in South Africa. It offers some of the most professional executive protection services in this area.

Recently, TSU Protection Services was engaged in the protection and provision of security measurements for numerous clients during the Soccer World Cup in South Africa. They were also overseeing the execution of the general security plan.

The company’s executive protection professionals are some of the most experienced agents available when it comes to international and domestic missions in the region.

The EP Industry Never Sleeps

Truly, 2020 has been one of the most challenging years for the executive protection industry over the last few decades. These companies represent the current list of top 10 executive protection companies, but it’s always changing.

We will wait and see how they will deal with the changes that 2021 is sure to bring. One thing is certain – executive protection is definitely an industry to watch in the following years.

The Executive Protection Skills Everyone Should Know About

By
EP Wired Desk
-
0
executive protection skills

No matter if you’re just getting into the EP industry or have been a pro for years; there are some executive protection skills that you should never be without. These include both soft and hard skills, and they’re what separate the successful EP professionals from the not-so-successful ones.

To make things easier for you, we’ve divided all the executive protection skills into two categories, so that you can start checking them off one by one.

Soft Skills

Before we get into this category, we thought that we should first explain what soft skills exactly entail. These are the things that you don’t learn in schools, boot camps, or training programs. However, soft skills are what is going to put you on the EP map, and make you stand out to clients.

1. Resourcefulness

First on the list, and arguably the most difficult skill/quality to possess, is resourcefulness. You see, more often than not, you’ll have to work at locations, venues, and with people that you’re not familiar with. That’s just the name of the game. So one of the most important executive protection skills that you need is being able to think on your feet.

You need to do everything in your power to shape the outcome of a job or mission to best benefit your client. Be proactive, not reactive.

Also, your resourcefulness needs to carry over to planning, being creative, and thinking outside the box. If you’re a security officer who’s been assigned to someone, it’ll be solely your job to come up with safety strategies and procedures.

2. Communication

Sure, communication skills sound like a no-brainer, but there’s actually a fine art to mastering them in the EP world. Now, no one’s saying that you need to be a public speaker, and give talks in front of huge audiences. However, you do need to be well-versed in all types of communication, including:

  • Verbal
  • Non-verbal
  • Written

Solid verbal communication skills will help you in pretty much every single aspect of your life, not just your profession. You also need to have a good grasp on non-verbal communication, especially if you’re part of a team. It won’t always be possible to use your words, which is why you need to rely on signals and hand gestures.

Written communication is, again, pretty self-explanatory, but it’s an amazing quality to have. Often, you’ll be expected to write out briefs and mission goals, and getting your point across in a clear and concise way is key.

3. Social Skills

Another huge part of the job is creating and cultivating relationships with clients. They need to trust you enough to share important details about themselves but also respect your authority and knowledge. That is an extremely delicate balance that you have to achieve, which is why social skills top the list.

In addition to your clients, you have to network and build strong relationships with those around you. Whether it’s your team, your client’s staff, or the paparazzi, for example, you need to gain everyone’s trust and have a solid rapport.

4. Commitment

You could argue that commitment isn’t really a skill, rather a trait, but we still wanted to mention it because it’s so essential. There is absolutely no chance that you could perform well in the EP industry unless you’re totally committed.

Sure, you could probably get by, not care, but that’s really bad for business. Privacy, productivity, and most of all, security, come first and supersede your needs.

5. Decision-Making

As an EP professional, you’ll be expected to make decisions on a daily basis. These decisions could be small, and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. However, every once in a while, you’ll have to make a decision in a high-pressure situation, and sometimes, there’ll be lives at stake.

When push comes to shove, you’ll be on the ground, making decisions, and there’s usually no time to waste. To pull all of that off, you need to keep your calm and stay ready.

executive protection skills

Hard Skills

As a stark contrast to soft skills, hard ones are much easier to pick up and learn. You can study, work hard, and train to do any of these, and they’re invaluable assets in your EP career.

6. Driving

Out of all the hard executive protection skills we’re going to mention, driving is probably the single most important one. You cannot be successful in the EP industry unless you can operate different types of vehicles successfully.

Some of the driving tactics and maneuvers that you should know are:

  • Motorcade driving
  • Ramming
  • PIT maneuvers and counter-pits
  • Close quarters driving
  • Driving an armored car

Basically, you need to cover both defensive and offensive driving skills because that’ll probably be a huge part of almost any job.

7. Unarmed Combat

No matter what your current job entails or who your client is, if you want to be part of the EP industry, you need to know unarmed combat. Now, there are a ton of different approaches that you could take here and countless different training tactics.

Whether you’re looking into martial arts or specific combat training for EP professionals, it’s all pretty much up to you. However, you need to be skilled at it and practice every day to ensure that you’re always ready.

8. Shooting

A lot of people in the EP industry really emphasize having excellent shooting skills, but you’ll probably be utilizing them much less than you think. Remember, the single most important aspect of your job is to keep your client safe and avoid conflict at all costs.

If there’s an incident involving active shooters, your first response usually won’t be to open fire. It’ll be to get your client to safety as soon as you possibly can.With all that said, handling firearms, gun safety, as well as precision, are all incredible skills to have in your arsenal.

9. Emergency Medical Skills

To make your EP skill set complete, you definitely have to participate in some emergency medical training. Now, you don’t have to become an EMT or a registered nurse, but you do need to know the basics.

For example, you should know how to perform CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, treat a gash or a burn, and more. Since picking up these skills is difficult to do over the internet, we suggest taking a course or two, and having some sort of certification.

Bottom Line

Nobody said that being an EP professional is an easy job. There’s so much to know, train, and understand before you can make it in the field. However, one of the best parts of the whole job is that you get to learn something new every day.

If you’re struggling, and just don’t know where to start, this list of basic executive protection skills should help out a bit. And if you’re still not exactly sure what you’re supposed to do, sign up for our newsletter, and let us help you.

1...596061...64Page 60 of 64

Our sponsors

Links

Category

Stay connected

Newsletter Signup

© 2024 epwired.com | All rights reserved.

Download Advance Work: Route Survey

    Download Advance Work: Restaurant

      Download Helicopter Extration: Landing Zone

        EP Career

        Your registry of the best opportunities in executive protection.

        EP Directory
        The right place to explore EP companies.