New Standard Published – Chief Security Officer

In its drive to improve the standard of security across private and public organisation, ASIS International has just published a new Chief Security Officer (CSO) US Standard. This document builds on ASIS’ previous CSO Guidelines and provides the background and guidance necessary to support security operations in the dynamic business environment and to protect against equally dynamic threats. We will post the PDF on our website resources page soon but in the meantime, if you would like a copy, it is available for free download from ASIS:
CSO 2008

Information Focus – Port Cyber Security

Many people see maritime security as a physical loss prevention and protection issue. However, like any other business activity, there is significant potential for theft and other adversary activity using IT systems. The range of cyber threats has been highlighted in an article recently published by Continuity Central. Port Cyber.

ARC addresses IT as well as maritime and transport security during various courses in 2009. Contact Janet for information.

Biometrics – Does Your Knowledge Measure Up?

The use of biometric technology continues to grow in importance for access control and tracking systems. Measurements of fingerprints and hand geometry led to iris and retinal scans with face recognition growing in popularity. But did you know that everyone’s tongue is different? And did you know that your body odour can be used for biometric access control? The future of access control may involve unwashed employees lining up to stick out their tongues before logging onto their IT systems!
An interesting CNN article can be accessed through this link: CNN Biometric Report

New Report on Disaster Protection

We reported last month on the inevitability of a pandemic in the future and highlighted some of the worrying facts about avian flu in particular. Many organisations and public authorities are addressing the risks and threats associated with pandemics and are also looking at other public health issues which need to be managed. One such organisation is the ‘Trust for America’s Health’ which has released a 2008 Report entitled ‘Ready or Not’, covering a range of bio-related public health issues and if you haven’t thought about this and the potential effect on you and your business, it’s worth reading. Read the report here Bio 2008 and contact us if you would like to discuss pandemic, CBRN or BCM planning and training.

New Malware Threats Approaching

In a reflection of the rapidly developing and evolving nature of IT threats, a recently published internet article from Messagelabs lists the 5 new malware threats for 2009. These threats include ‘mash-up malware’, social network phishing and new botnets. As the criminals continue to develop their expertise, the risks continue to grow for home and business users. Read the Messagelabs article here: 2009 Malware, and go to the ARC website for resources on IT security: IT Resources

Are You Vulnerable to Fraud?

As an already worried financial world is rocked by yet another allegedly massive fraud, have you considered your own vulnerabilities? Fraud tends to be carried out by those who are normally considered to be trustworthy or work in specialised roles without oversight or management. People who are fraudulent are normally extremely competent in their area of specialisation and, because they know their own management systems so well, can effectively cover their tracks. The impact of fraud can be not only damaging but can destroy companies completely if the scale of the activity is large enough. So, is it time that you had a good look at your own organisation’s processes and what exactly goes on in vulnerable areas? If you want to know what to look for and the types of fraudulent activities that can go on, ARC conducts various workshops and programmes which cover their symptoms and treatment. Contact Janet for details.

Are Your Financial Transactions Secure?

Business transactions, whether between corporate organisations or between individuals and retailers, are part of everyday life. Also, the means of making these transactions have become simpler and more user–friendly over recent years. Unfortunately, the ways in which these activities are carried out are also criminal-friendly. The incidences of intrusion into personal and corporate information, identity theft and fraud are on the increase and becoming difficult to effectively combat. Organised criminal gangs and terrorist groups have the intent, means and opportunity to make effective intrusions and to capitalise upon lax security and will strike wherever there are gaps in protective measures. Are you at risk? Follow this link Transaction Security Report to look at a report on transaction security issues and make up your own mind.