What to Expect From Security Guard Training

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Are you thinking about becoming a security guard? Pursuing this career path will allow you to take advantage of flexible work hours and many advancement opportunities. The only downside is that you’ll most likely have to give up your nights and weekends. While there are no formal educational requirements, you must enroll in a security guard training program. Your courses will cover various topics such as handling emergency situations, the qualities of a good security guard, patrol methods, theft prevention, and communication. 

You’ll also receive training documents that you’ll have to look over. Check out this guide to learn more about what you can expect. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Your security guard training program will cover a variety of different topics. The first one will go over your duties and responsibilities. 

Your on-the-job duties will vary, but nine times out of ten, they will involve protecting someone or someplace. In certain instances, you’ll be in charge of controlling a crowd. 

You’ll have to assess an area and always be ready to handle an emergency situation. 

Qualities of a Good Guard 

Another topic that might be included in your training is the qualities of a good security guard. Most security guards are honest and have a great deal of self-discipline. 

They need to possess impeccable communication skills and have the potential to lead a team. Security guards avoid performing unlawful acts that may cause their clients to lose their trust in them. 

Patrol Methods 

There are three different patrol methods that your program may cover. The first is foot patrol.

As the name suggests, this involves patrolling the vicinity of an area on foot. This method is used to discourage potential trespassers and look for any signs of trouble, like broken windows. 

The second patrol method is vehicle-based. You’ll be able to monitor an area from the inside of your car. 

The last thing you’ll learn about is remote patrol. It involves using surveillance technology to keep an eye out for any dangers. 

Power of Arrest 

It’s a common misconception for those going into this job field that they’ll have the same sort of arrest power that a police officer has. In reality, security guards don’t have much arrest power at all. 

The only time you’ll have the authority to arrest a citizen is if certain felonies have taken place. This course will go over what these felonies are. 

This will also teach you how to properly restrain a citizen.

Handling Emergencies 

When you become a security guard, you’ll need to be able to handle emergencies at a moment’s notice. This is true, no matter if you’re dealing with a bomb threat or an active shooter. 

Your training program will instruct you on how to best protect those involved in these catastrophes. 

Theft Prevention 

Business owners hire security guards to protect their buildings from all levels of unlawful activity. That includes theft. 

This being said, your security guard training course will most likely cover how to best deter a burglar and cover in great detail what you should do in the event of a robbery. 

Communication 

You will be trained in how to use your voice in an authoritative but calm manner. Your communication training will cover how to approach those who aren’t abiding by the rules. 

You’ll also be taught how to talk to citizens during an emergency in order to keep them calm. You will need to be able to stay in contact with your colleagues via emails and proposals. This training course will cover that as well. 

Hospital Security Course 

Most programs use two days to teach trainees about the ins and outs of hospital security. 

In this course, you’ll learn all about traffic control, the hospital’s emergency procedures, and customer service. 

Bank Security 

Banks often hire security guards to protect their assets and customers. Most bank security courses will teach you how to spot a potential robber and handle them before they have the chance to act. 

X-Ray Screening 

If you plan to work at an airport, you’ll have to take an x-ray screening course. You won’t be allowed to start work until you know how to use an x-ray machine. 

You’ll also have to learn common aviation hazards, aircraft protection, and other safety protocols that go along with being a security guard at an airport. 

Special Events Course

Oftentimes, you’ll be hired to handle security at a special event. That’s why every training course takes a few days to teach you common event security strategies. 

You’ll also learn operational skills that pertain to the type of event that you’ll be covering. 

Security Guard Training Docs 

When you start your training, you’ll receive a packet of documents to read over. This packet should include a mission statement that explains what success is like for your company. It will tell you a little about what’s expected from you as well. 

You’ll get a document that explains all the details of the program, including the cost and how long it will take you to finish it. You’ll also receive a list of the courses in the program. 

Find a Course and Get Your Security Guard License 

Security guard training is an intensive course that will teach you everything you need to know before you start your first day of work. You’ll learn how to best handle emergencies, the qualities of a good security guard, and how to protect specific businesses. 

Are you ready to get started? Contact us to book a training consultation today. 

Startling Workplace Violence Statistics

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We’ve unfortunately seen it all too often on the news. Whether it’s an active shooter or a common type, be aware of the alarming workplace violence statistics.

Americans spend around 7.9 hours at work every day, compared with 2.9 hours at home. This means you (and other people in the workforce) spend the majority of your time at your place of employment.

The atmosphere of your office is vital in not only workplace safety, but also employee happiness. While not everything is in your control, there are a few things you can learn from things that are trending. Here are some important workplace violence statistics you should know about.

Not All Workplace Violence Is Physical

First off, we have to dispel the notion that workplace violence is only physical. There are many other types of workplace violence, such as bullying, harassment, and verbal threats.

In fact, 96% of employees in America experience bullying at work. This statistic may come as a shock to you, especially if you feel your employees are happy for the most part.

But just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Many workers are afraid to report workplace bullying since in many cases, they lose their jobs while the bullies get to stay at the company.

Gun Violence Is Becoming More Commonplace

In the last few years, the total number of incidents has hovered around 60,000 and the number of deaths has been around 15,000. A large number of these incidents happen in public spaces; this means it can easily happen at your workplace.

To minimize the effects from a potential shooting, make sure you have an active shooter plan for your business.

The Healthcare Industry Has the Most Workplace Violence

Although medical professionals work hard to provide good healthcare to their patients, they’re the ones who receive the most workplace violence from their “customers.”

80% of EMS personnel, 76% of emergency physicians, and 100% of emergency nurses have experienced violence from their patients. Also, 70% of psychiatric professionals go through physical assault in a year, and 16% of nurses with dementia patients in nursing homes are attacked daily.

There Are Almost 2 Million Workplace Violence Victims Annually

You might think workplace violence isn’t very commonplace, but the fact is, almost 2 million employees will go through it every year. There’s a very real chance that a few of your employees have already experienced workplace violence.

It’s the Second Leading Cause of Death (On the Job) for Women

The leading cause of death for women on the job is roadway accidents. The second is workplace violence. In 2013, the statistic for women who died from workplace violence was triple that for men.

Keep These Workplace Violence Statistics in Mind

As you can see from the above workplace violence statistics, many unfortunate circumstances occur in offices. While they may not all be physical, other types of workplace violence (such as harassment and intimidation) can have profound effects on your employees. Keep your workplace safe by having the proper protection, training, and education in place.

If you feel your workplace needs extra protection, please get in touch with us now.

The Importance of Corporate Security Risk Assessment and Planning

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When safety is the cost, corporations can’t afford operating without security risk assessment. Discover how ISP will develop effective strategies for mitigation.

Your corporate security system is kind of like your car. You don’t know how important it is until it breaks down.

And today, security is more important than ever because the attacks aren’t just physical. Everything from your front door to your customer database is at risk. 

That’s where a risk assessment consulting can help. Security consulting should be part of your security policy. Have a risk assessment done every year by a third party consulting firm.  

Keep reading to learn the importance of a corporate security risk assessment. 

It Shows You What’s Out There

Mass shootings, ransomware attacks, and data breaches. These are just a few examples of common security risks. But there are so many more to consider. 

In a risk assessment, your security firm will take a look at your current system. They’ll put together a comprehensive list of possible threats. This list should include both physical threats and cyber threats. 

Then they’ll rank these threats in order of probability. Knowing what’s out there and knowing the probability of it happening is important. It gives you the tools you’ll need to move forward in improving security systems. 

It Provides an Outside Opinion

Sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees. You may believe that you have a good security system in place. But it’s always a good idea to get a second opinion. 

The risk assessment will score the elements of your current security system. This includes things like cameras, secure phone lines, and data security. And how each element scores helps you understand where you need improvement. 

An assessment also gives you a plan of attack. You can consult with the security firm using what you know about your current system. And create a plan and a timeline for improving your system. 

Make sure that a regular risk assessment is part of your security policy. This makes it easier to do them in the future.

Allow your assessment team to do the risk analysis. Then create a review structure so that your people understand the report.

The next year when you have the assessment done again, you’ll have the steps in place. You’ll know how to interpret the readings. And you’ll know how to plan for future security changes. 

It Saves You Money in the Long Run

No matter how much money your company makes, you can’t afford a data breach. Data breaches cost over $3 million on average! That’s too much money to leave up to chance. 

Also, the US reports more data breaches than any other nation. Utilizing a risk assessment can prevent a data breach before it happens. This saves you time and money.

The cost of a breach isn’t only evident in the stolen dollars. It can have huge impacts on PR. Lost customers are one of the highest costs associated with breaches. 

There are cost issues with physical security breaches too. If people are injured, physically or emotionally, you’ll have to cover those costs through insurance. Which means raised insurance premiums in the future. 

Don’t Dilly-Dally! Get Your Security Risk Assessment Today

You can’t afford security issues. Having the right security systems in place gives your employees and your customers greater peace of mind. And a security risk assessment is the right choice to lower risk. 

At Iron Shield Protection, our trained professionals will sniff out the security threats in your systems. Learn more about our consulting services by clicking here. 

Fighting For Your Life: What To Do In An Active Shooter Situation

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An active shooter situation is a nightmare scenario for everyone involved. We unveil essential tips on what to do in an active shooter situation.

If you’re involved in an active shooter situation, it can be an extremely scary and stressful event. Sadly, many people lose their lives each year due to these criminal acts.

Fortunately, you have a good chance of surviving if you know what to do in an active shooter situation.

Read on to learn about what you can do to remain calm and hopefully, save your life and the lives of others.

Be Aware of Exits

Whether you’re in a familiar place like work or school or you’re in a public building, you should always know where the nearest exits are located. During an active shooter scenario, it’s common for people to want to flee.

In some cases, people can become trapped if they don’t know their way around a building. By identifying the location of exits, you have a much better chance of making your escape. 

Getting away from the perpetrator is the best way to stay safe. When you know what to do in an active shooter situation, you have a better chance at remaining calm and escaping possible danger.

Know Where and How to Hide

If you simply cannot escape during an active shooter event, you should at least try to hideand protect yourself. The key is to make a visual and physical barrier between yourself and the shooter.

Some of the best hiding places include closets, any rooms with a sturdy door and a lock, or behind or near any form of a barricade. Rooms located near an elevator are a good option since they’re made using steel or other heavy, reinforced materials.

Once you’re completely hidden, stay silent until the shooter has left. Then, call 911 and speak silently but clearly into the phone, altering the operator of where you are and what has occurred.

Fighting: What to do in an Active Shooter Situation

Unfortunately, sometimes your last resort is to put up a fight in order to save your life. Throw anything you can at the shooter, whether it’s a chair, computer, or another object that will distract them.

While fighting someone with a gun is a last resort, it still may be your last option to save your life. Never try to tackle or physically take down a gunman unless you think you are stronger and can do so successfully.

In most cases, people are not properly trained to fight an attacker, particularly in this situation. However, if there’s no other option, sometimes fighting back is your only choice and your best bet to survive.

Staying Safe 

The key to knowing what to do in an active shooter situation is to follow the run, hide, fight motto. First, try to run away from the location as fast as you can. If that is not possible, you should hide or as a last resort, put up a fight to save your life.

For more information about personal security, survival tips, and much more, give us a call or visit our website. 

5 Signs You Need Security Consulting

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We’re living in insecure times, both in real life as well as digitally. Here are 5 signs you need security consulting for your organization.

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably realized that your business’s IT security is lacking in a way. According to statistics, over 80 percent of business owners say their cybersecurity is strong enough, yet the number of recent cyber crime breaches suggest otherwise.

In most cases, businesses don’t want to accept that their IT security is not adequate and that they need security consulting. Sometimes they don’t realize when it’s the right time to hire a cybersecurity consultant, especially if they are a small growing business.

Below we have compiled a list of 5 un-ignorable signs you need an IT security consultant:

1. The Statistics Suggest It’s Not Safe

According to Security Intelligence, the number of cybersecurity attacks in recent years is astonishing. By November 2016, over 50 small and mid-sized businesses reported having suffered at least one cyber attack in that year alone. Sadly, it cost these businesses over $800,000 in damages on average.

Plus, the companies had to incur over $900,000 on average to rectify the damages and get their operational again. That means they had to spend around $1.7 million correcting mistakes that would have otherwise avoided.

Generally, the industry is not safe, and now is the right time to hire a cybersecurity consultant. You don’t want your business to go under within six months, like 60% of all companies hit by a cyber attack do.

2. Your Business Is Relying on Outdated Tech

Nowadays, tech becomes obsolete in a matter of months. If you’re relying on the same systems you were using last year; the chances are high that hackers could easily breach your system today. Hackers love exploiting vulnerabilities that a security consultant can help identify beforehand.

If you’re working with outdated systems, you need a security consultant to upgrade them and protect your valuable business data. They’ll assess your business and identify ways to improve your security measures.

3. If You Notice That Your Employees Are Coming up Short

In most cases, employees are the weakest link in an organization when it comes to security matters. Your workers should know about cyber threats and potential security breaches when they see them. If they don’t, then you need to hire a security consultant to train them.

Cybersecurity consultants will not only bring in new security measures to thwart cybercrime but also educate your employees on how to identify and tackle security threats.

4. Your Business Is Expanding

If your business is growing fast, don’t think twice about hiring an IT security consultant. Companies open themselves up to all types of cyber threats when they expand. This is because more loopholes form along the way; the business starts making higher profits, and hackers know there are more money and information to steal.

5. Your Industry Is Under Attack

If you see your neighbor’s house burning, be worried. A piece of burning wood could fly into your home and light it up also. If your industry has suffered recent cyber attacks, hire a security consultant immediately to ensure your security systems are in order.

Bringing in an expert could save you from being the next target. Act before hackers make a move on you!

Security Consulting Is Not a Question of IF

You shouldn’t be asking if it’s necessary to hire security consulting in this age and era. Security should be preventative. Hire a professional cybersecurity consultant and save your business from potential collapse.

Contact us today for the cybersecurity expertise you can count on!

Cyber Safety: A Brief Introduction to Red Teaming for High-Security Risk Individuals

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Iron Shield Protection, LLC specializes in conducting systematic and uniquely tailored assessments of the risks, threats and vulnerabilities that confront organizations as well as their core security programs – across operations, resources, priorities and assets. We help organizations improve security and safety, capture program efficiencies and develop successful strategies for controlling operational costs without assuming untenable levels of risk. 

According to an Experian Data Breach Industry Forecast (2019), the top data breaches last year included biometric hacking; passcode, facial recognition, and touch ID sensor vulnerabilities; skimming; mobile cyber attacks, Cloud-based cyber attacks; and cybercriminals disguised as gamers. 

With more IoT devices at home and in the workplace, cybersecurity is more important than ever.

Whether SMB or large enterprise, companies can address and patch their vulnerabilities. Not to mention, bolster their cybersecurity efforts thanks to red teaming. Read on to learn what red teaming is and why your business needs it. 

What is a Red Team? 

Red teaming occurs when a bunch of white hat hackers test out your defenses to see if they can break in. 

But, when we say white hat hackers, you may only think red teams try to break in via technology. But that’s just one of the ways. Red teams also try to break in physically and expose potential staffing vulnerabilities. 

In a nutshell, red teams are the good guys posing as the bad guys, trying to figure out how to get into a company so they can identify vulnerabilities and provide red team software and consulting to companies to patch them up. 

Why Do You Need Red Team Cyber Security? 

A common misconception, especially for small businesses, is that you don’t need a red team to spot your company’s vulnerabilities because there are “bigger fish” for hackers and cybercriminals to fry. 

What may surprise you is that this isn’t always the case. According to a 2018 Hiscox Small Business Cyber Risk Report, almost half of small businesses have experienced a cyber attack the year prior. 

A 2018 Score press release states that 43 percent of cyber security attacks are on small businesses. The consensus? Small businesses need red teaming efforts as much as medium-sized companies and large corporations do. 

Why Red Teaming is For the Better

Red teaming addresses one of the main components of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) framework: identifying and patching vulnerabilities. 

In case you don’t know, NIST is a cybersecurity framework and standard highly recommended and, in the case of healthcare companies complying with HIPAA, is required. So, you’ll be doing the recommended. 

Through pen testing and even physically testing office alarms and security systems, red team security will be able to uncover your biggest weakness.

From there, be able to offer cyber solutions, whether that’s quality cyber training for employees or updating and monitoring anti-malware, anti-virus, and other cybersecurity software. 

When Considering Red Team Security, Research Is Key

Not all red teams are one and the same. When looking to hire a third-party red team security organization, always do your research.

See if the company is registered in the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Check client reviews from reputable review sites such as Yelp and Google. Remember, while bad reviews are a red flag, all five-star reviews could be a warning sign too. 

Also, like buying any high-end product or service, shop around and get at least three quotes.

The Takeaway: Thinking About Red Teaming?

Still not sure about what is a red team? Have more questions about red team cyber security? Feel free to contact us.   

How to Create an Active Shooter Plan for Your Business

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If you work in a high-risk environment, it’s important to be prepared with an active shooter plan. Find out how to protect your business.

Did you know that 79 percent of workplace homicides are shootings?

Even though workplace shootings continue to be rare, they’re on the rise. 

If you work in a high-risk environment, then you need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. That’s why it’s important to come up with an active shooter plan to protect your business and employees.

In this article, you’ll learn more about how to create an active shooter plan for your business. Read below!

Who to Involve in Your Active Shooter Plan?

You need to coordinate with the following departments in your business:

  • Human resources (HR)
  • Training department
  • Facility management
  • Security

You should also request guidance from the emergency response unit in your location.

However, it’s important to know that you can’t rely on law enforcement. Over two-thirds of incidents are over before law enforcement arrives on the scene.

There are multiple components of designing an active shooter plan for your workplace. 

Evacuation Procedure

If an active shooter appears in your workplace, the most important step is to evacuate the area immediately. You need to make sure you have an evacuation procedure in place in case of an emergency. 

It’s necessary that your employees understand the importance of getting away from the active shooter as quickly as possible. You need to clearly inform them about the workplace floor plan and the exits from the building.  

It’s essential that your employees are encouraged to help each other if the incident occurs. However, it is urgent that they take care of themselves first before they help others.

If unable to escape from the building, then you need to establish with your employees the importance of finding shelter. 

Contact Information

You also need to include in your active shooter plan information about whom to contact in case of emergency (including name, telephone number, and address).

These include the following:

  • Local hospitals
  • Local emergency responders 
  • Employees at remote areas of your workplace
  • Local law enforcement

There may be a number of workplace specific contact information examples which are not included here. 

Training Exercises 

You should conduct training exercises to ensure that your employees know the evacuation procedure inside and out. This involves carrying out mock exercises in which you simulate the response to an active shooter in the workplace. 

In your training exercises, you should include the following questions:

  • Do your employees recognize the sound of gunshots?
  • Can your employees effectively call 911?
  • Do your employees know the evacuation procedure?

By drilling your employees with training exercises, you can prepare your business for an active shooter. 

Do You Need to Tighten Your Security?

If your workplace is in a high-risk environment, then you need to make sure you have an active shooter plan in place in case of an emergency.

However, you may also discover that you need to tighten your security in order to deal with dangerous threats to your business.

You can find out more about our Active Shooter Preparedness training and security services on our website or contact us. 

What is a Risk Assessment and Why Do You Need One?

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In the United States alone, there are an estimated 7.1 million people who have a net worth of at least $1 million.

If you’re among these high net worth individuals, you likely already know that you and your business can be targeted by violent individuals.

For that reason, you need to take steps to ensure the safety of you, your business, and your family members. One of the best ways to do that is to do a risk assessment.

Keep reading to find out more about how risk analysis could save your life.

What is Risk Assessment?

Risk assessment is a formal report that documents the potential risks to your company and clearly outlines the steps you’re taking to minimize those risks.

You should have a new risk analysis performed every year. This will allow you to quickly find new issues and see how old problems have been solved. You’ll also get the chance to change how you use your resources for risk management. 

What is Evaluated?

Your industry will determine what types of risks your business may face. This will also determine the strategies used for analysis. However, here are a few areas that may be evaluated in a risk assessment:

  • Project failures
  • Financial problems
  • Legal liabilities
  • Accidents and natural disasters
  • Cybersecurity
  • Deliberate attacks

Deliberate attacks could be against your finances or reputation. However, they could also be physical against your buildings, products, or personnel.

Whatever form these attacks take, the more you know about them, the better equipped you’ll be to prevent them. A formal risk assessment is what will check every angle for you.

How Can Risk Analysis Help You?

Now let’s take a look at just two of the ways having a risk analysis done can help you.

Learn About New Risks

If you knew someone was going to break into your office on a certain night through a certain door, wouldn’t you do everything you could to prevent that? However, if you don’t know about a risk, you can’t do anything about it.

Risk assessment brings in an outsider who can quickly identify areas of weakness in your infrastructure. They’re trained to find new risks you may not have considered which will help you minimize the chance of them happening.

Create a Risk Management Plan

Once you know what risks your company is facing, you can identify the highest priority risks. This will allow you to wisely use your company’s resources in a way that will tackle the most potentially-harmful risks first.

Prevent Attacks

When put together, learning about new risks and creating a risk management plan will help you prevent attacks against you, your employees, and your company.

Need Help with Risk Analysis?

Now you know what risk assessment is, and how it can help you protect yourself, your family, or your business. As you can see, it’s essential to understand the risks you’re facing.

To get a formal risk assessment, contact us today. We’d be more than happy to help you determine what you may be facing and set you up with a plan to help you minimize those risks.