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Security Tips


The following security recommendations are the result of written and mental notes consolidated over a quarter-century working in military and civilian law enforcement and nuclear security. No original thought is claimed. Special appreciation to law enforcement brethren who have gone before and proved the value of these suggestions.

AT ALL TIMES

Have the telephone numbers to local security and police/fire/medical readily available and posted where someone coming to your aid in an emergency can find them.

Be aware of your surroundings. This allows you the opportunity to identify questionable activities and discourages an adversary. Attackers prefer victims who don't have a clue that potential danger exists.

Be unpredictable and not a creature of habit. In the 1970s, the Red Brigade's successful kidkapping of Aldo Moro was enhanced by his always taking the same route to work. Make it difficult for an an adversary to plan an attack against you. Keep a low profile.

When mixing in with the public, mix in with the public. Avoid demonstracting material wealth. Be satisifed that you know you have it, otherwise you might not. Drive a vehicle that does not attract attention.

Keep your home free of family names. A street number will direct in anyone who has proper reason to be there.

Know what to do in emergencies. Develop home and office emergency plans and practice them. Get emergency equipment ~ smoke alarms (most go off for dust particles, too), fire extinquishers, et cetera ~ and maintain it.

Travel with friends and participate in group activities. Generally, this will discourage people who wish to give you trouble.

Be on the look out for someone watching your activities. Don't allow strangers to enter into your home.

Stay away from remote areas. Don't meet anyone you don't already know well in isolated or unfamiliar locations. Likewise, never allow yourself to be escorted by someone you don't trust an isolated area. You might find out what happened to Jimmy Hoffa.

Do not discuss personal information with a stranger or in public. Never discuss anything personal in a public place. Not everyone who is listening is your friend.

Never trust the security of an unclassified telephone or fax machine. By either accident and intent, both can be monitored by unintended parties.

If you receive frequent telephone calls claiming to be wrong numbers, or nuisance calls, report them to the phone company or local police.

Keep all outside doors and windows secured. If you put grates on the doors and windows, have a system that allows release from the inside and test them every couple months. Don't build your own prison.

Report suspicious activity. Give police a chance to disrupt an adversary's intent.

Be alert to unfamiliar people in your neighborhood. This could be strangers walking around, sitting in vehicles, or other activity. It could be vendors who do not appear to have any specific business. Note all pertinent information possible without exposing yourself. Report unusual incidents or persons to the proper authorities.

Let only those with a legitimate reason to know be aware of your travel plans. This not only helps protect yourself, but also your family and property.

Pay attention to other vehicles around you. If you are being followed, take evasive action but never drive to the safety of your home. You will be bringing your threat with you and to your family. Drive to the nearest police/fire station or safe haven. Do not try to lose your follower(s) on isolated streets or deserted locations. Doing so could be playing straight into their hands.

When approaching your car, start checking it out upon approach. Make sure there is nothing suspicous under it, around it, on it, or in it. Also look for signs of tampering. If the vehicle has an alarm system, always activate it when unattended. At all times, leave it where it can be frequently observed by people coming and going. At night, leave it in a well lit or in a locked garage.

AT WORK:

Have the telephone numbers to local security and police/fire/medical readily available and posted where someone coming to your aid in an emergency can find them.

Get rid of those marked parking places. Open parking to a first come, first serve basis. Make the bad guys guess who senior people in the orgnaization are, or get close enough that they can be observed. Do not allow parking in front of an entrance.

Ensure visitor control procedures exit at your office. Have all visitors escorted. The same holds true for maintenance personnel who you do not know. Confirm that some wants to see the visitor or called for maintenance service before allowing entry, even under escort.

Make sure equipment rooms, janitor closets, and other less frequented spaces are locked when not in use. They can be accessed during the day without notice and allow someone to remain hidden.

If a package or briefcase shows up unexpectedly, take it serious. If it can't be immediately identified clear the area and notify proper authorities. Likewise, do not accept packages from unknown sources or unsolicited.

Do not continually work alone after normal hours. You may be establishing a pattern and leaving yourself without protection in numbers when you depart.

Place your desk away from windows. The view is probably nice looking out, but it could also be nice for an adversary looking in. Also, if an explosion was to occur from the outside you have all the glass coming straight at you.

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