New Study Asks What Price Security?

ASIS International has teamed with The Conference Board to research, create, and release a new report, "Corporate Security Management: Organisation and Spending Since 9/11." In a process termed "evolution rather than revolution," the report states corporate America's overall spending on security in response to terrorism has increased only modestly. The business most likely to have permanently increased their security spending are those in six "critical infrastructure" industries - transportation, energy and utilities, financial services, media and telecommunications, information technology, and healthcare. "While nobody knows how much security spending is enough, there are legitimate concerns about corporate vulnerability," says Tom Cavanagh, The Conference Board's expert on security issues and author of the report. "Since about 80 percent of America's critical infrastructure is controlled by the private sector, says Cavanagh, "corporate security managers will play an increasingly vital role in protecting key industries and the people who work in them and are based near them." "Whether corporate spending on security is adequate can't be judged nationally, but only by comparing it against the level of threat and the degree of risk faced by an individual company in an individual industry in a selected location," says Daniel H. Kropp, CPP, president of ASIS International. While many security experts anticipated a widespread move to centralise security operations in the wake of terrorist actions, the study found that most companies have not changed the way they manage security. The study also found soaring increases in corporate spending for insurance and risk management. About 20 percent of the companies say their insurance costs have at least doubled since 2001. Says Cavanagh, "Business leaders are reluctant to spend more on security when they don't see it contributing directly to their bottom lines." Only 26 percent of the security directors, 19 percent of the risk managers, and 14 percent of the information technology security chiefs strongly agree that their departments are adequately financed. Don W. Walker, CPP, a former ASIS president, says, "The ideal mix of resources for improving security includes experienced, imaginative and resourceful security directors, corporate leadership willing to invest hard dollars in security; and government willing to step in with financial and policy incentive where necessary in order to protect critical infrastructures." The Conference Board's studies on economic trends and management practices are widely followed by business leaders, government policy makers, and media. It reduces a wide range of economic barometers that have an impact on financial markets. - By Vicki Contavespi, ASIS public relations manager.

ASIS International Dynamics - September-October, 2003.

Anti-hijacking measures: IA goes in for US norms

New Delhi - September 7, 2003 - The national carrier has gone for a three-tier anti-hijack system prescribed by the US Federal Aviation Authority (USFAA), by adding two more layers to the onboard anti-hijack system. Apart from a sealed cockpit door, each aircraft will have a camera for the pilot, located somewhere near the cockpit door, to view what's happening in the cabin and a remote air traffic control device. "Its controls will lie with the captain who will be able to see what is happening in the cabin. This could give him time to react than letting a hijacker take him by surprise," says a senior aviation safety official. The third tier is the onboard remote air traffic control which reportedly malfunctioned leading to the drama at Delhi airport last month. The button for this device is placed in a hidden location known only to the captain and senior crew members. The moment the button is pressed, it will automatically transmit hijack code 7599 to the nearest ground-based air traffic control to take necessary action. "The frequency on which the remote ATC will operate is flight-specific. When it does transmit the hijack code, the ground-based ATC can immediately trace the flight," says an official.

The Indian Express - September 8, 2003.

Delhi Police Advisory: Beware! The car you want to sell, could be misused by terrorists

If you are selling your car / vehicle, retain copies of identification documents with photographs of buyer, such as, driving licence, ration card, election ID card etc.

Other simple ways to fight terror: Please check the antecedents of your tenant; know who your neighbours are; never touch or even go near any unclaimed object lying around in public areas; inform the police at Tel.No.100, in case you have any suspicion.

Hindustan Times - September 26, 2003.