Copyright (c) 2009 Dr Mark Yates

Whether we choose to admit it or not, the world we now live in is definitely not a safer place than it was 20 years ago. An online posting today from the British American Security Expert predicts the involvement of British troops in Afghanistan may be required for another 40 years. I’ll put politics to one side and focus on the ripple effect that statement causes across the world by outlining my top 5 security tips.

Security Expert Top 5 Tips #1 Speak With Your Mouth Shut

Every security expert will agree that most people talk too much. People give away so much information and data without even realising it. This stems from the fact that the highest percentage of people living on this planet exist in a full time state of what security experts call, ‘Condition White.’ This means they go through life in blissful ignorance of potential security and risk problems. Test this tip for yourself next time you are eating in a restaurant, or whenever you are in close enough proximity to hear other people’s conversations. You will be amazed at how much valuable information and intelligence they give out.

Imagine for one moment you are an organised criminal or a terrorist, and then you will understand how valuable that intelligence is.

Speak with your mouth shut is a professional bodyguard phrase coined by Dr. Mark D. British American Security Expert. In simple terms, it means to be very careful about how you talk, who you talk to, and who else can hear your conversation. The security expert advises all business executives that this top 5 security expert tip should also be maintained when conversing on the telephone, text, e-mail, social network sites and online blogs.

Security Expert Top 5 Tips #2 Access Control

When considering Top 5 Security Expert Tips for Business Executives from the security expert, every security expert knows that implementing great access control systems can significantly reduce your security risk. Quite simply if you make it difficult enough for someone to get close to you then chances are they will look elsewhere for a softer target. Access control is not confined to physical security products like barriers and Paxton door entry systems. It also relates to your personal communications. Many people have been unwittingly lulled into a false sense of security in relationship to the internet explosion of social media web sites like face book, Twitter and You Tube etc. For some strange reason normally sane people are posting valuable intelligence about themselves for the entire world to read.

Imagine Sara Jones from 12 Any Road, Anywhere, Any City etc posts a Blog on Twitter; “Oh my gosh! My entire family are stuck in Madrid airport and we’ve just been informed we can’t fly home until tomorrow.” Seems innocent enough doesn’t it? In fact it’s an organised criminal’s dream. Any IT Savvy Criminal can quickly establish where she lives; he can even print out a map to her house from Google maps. Hey ho, he knows they are all out of the country for a further day, so he can take his time to burgle her property.

Access control equals controlling your security risk.

Security Expert Top 5 Tips #3 Photocopy Everything in your Purse or Wallet

One of the first things promoted on security training courses by security experts is that you should take the time to photocopy every item of documentation in your purse or wallet as soon as you can get access to a photocopy machine. Completing this simple security expert tip will pay significant security dividends if ever your purse or wallet is stolen.

Take it as a given that every credit card, driving licence, store card, pin number, safe number, passport details, bank debit card in your purse or wallet offers significant value to a thief or fraudster. If you are targeted by pickpockets or opportunistic thieves then you need all the relevant data and information in an easy accessible place, (not your purse or wallet) so that you can call and put a stop on everything as soon as possible.

You will obviously need to secure these photocopies and it is wise not to let more than one other person know where this information is stored. The old saying of, “if more than two people know a secret, then it’s no longer a secret,” applies here.

Security Expert Top 5 Tips #4 Never Agree to Handle Anything for Someone You Don’t Personally Know

Business Executives are frequently targeted by professional smugglers belonging to organised crime gangs and terrorist organisations. The approach is very much the same as that used when targeting security naive young travellers overseas. Their initial approach is one of friendship and kindness, he or she will make a real fuss of you. They will maybe spoil you with free drinks, free excursions etc. The idea is to establish a friendship in the early stages of your business trip.

Towards the end of your business trip they will adhere to one of the following tactics.

1: He or she will ask you to deliver a package to one of their family members or friends back in your home country. You will be given some kind of hardship story to sway your opinion of transporting the package. Of course they inform you that the package is completely legal. Younger business executives are most likely to fall for this approach.

2: While you are distracted one of their accomplices will hide a package in your luggage case. You will be unaware of this until you are caught and arrested or until you clear customs in your home country.

Their accomplices will target you after you leave the airport. Every business executive and overseas traveller can fall victim to this approach.

If you think these two security breach scenarios are unlikely to happen, then think again. Every International security expert is aware of cases like this.

Simple solution to this is twofold. Don’t be taken in by new found friends, and always check your luggage prior to handing it in at the airport or shipping dock. If you have any suspicions inform law enforcement or customs immediately.

Security Expert Top 5 Tips #5 Trust Your Gut Reaction

Top 5 Security Expert Tips for Business Executives from the security expert finishes with trust your gut reaction. This may seem like a strange security tip but it is something which should not be overlooked. Security experts are aware of a phrase called the fight or flight syndrome. Quite simply this is your body’s natural defence mechanism which automatically kicks in every time we face some form of security danger or uncertainty. We don’t control this it is a sub conscious reaction which happens in a millisecond. For example: When you are confronted by an aggressive person your body prepares you to fight or gets you ready for flight. Your breathing alters, your heart rate increases, blood is diverted to your extremities, their hairs on the back of your neck stand up on end. Your vision reverts to tunnel vision, you experience auditory exclusion. Your entire focus is on the immediate threat before you. Most people fail to recognise that this fight or flight syndrome is our own built in security system, many think it is fear. Whereas international security experts understand this whatever decision you make is down to your gut reaction.

I’ve listened to many security experts from various global agencies listing the fight or flight syndrome and gut reaction as two of the most powerful security secrets in their armoury.

I hope you found my Top 5 Security Expert Tips for Business Executives from the security expert useful. Implement them into your daily routine and you will reduce your security risk.

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