National security - U.S. to further raise airline security, official says

SUMMARY: In response to the information collected from the terrorist responsible for the attempted bombing of an airplane on Christmas and other intelligence gathered from our security agencies, the TSA is increasing airline security. The new regulations are expected to include further in-flight restrictions in passengers’ movement, more random pre-flight screening of passengers and an increase in the number of federal air marshals on flights.

STORY LINK: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34864969/ns/us_news-airliner_security/

ANALYSIS: These additional measures are designed to better control and observe passengers during flight. As with this recent attempt and the attempt that Richard Reid made, observant fellow passengers were able to thwart these attempts. Good fortune was also a major factor in preventing an in-flight bombing.

As travelers endure more delays, more evasive screening and restricted movement while in flight, it is important to realize that terrorism is a very real and growing threat. Few people realize that the chemical being widely used for explosive devices, called PETN, is widely used in medicine. Lentonitrat, which is used for the treatment of heart disease, is almost pure PETN. Less than three ounces of this chemical was sewn into the undergarments of the failed Christmas Day bomber. This chemical is odorless and is almost impossible to detect with the equipment currently employed at the airport screening areas.

Fortunately, PETN requires a lot of heat to explode and usually the detonation device or the ignition process is identified or fails before the explosion takes place. We may not always be so lucky, as the terrorists keep trying and improving their methods. The TSA did not help matters when they released their Security Procedures by mistake a couple of months ago, which I previously commented on in this forum.

Travelers and individuals in general need to be vigilant to prevent future terrorist attacks. Some tips to help you safeguard yourself, community and fellow travelers:

• Look for individuals who exhibit apprehension or nervousness as they approach security, or may be wearing too many clothes or not dressed appropriately for the conditions.
• Report any odd, unexplained odors, which could be a chemical-based explosive or detonation device, or any liquids leaking from containers or unusual stains on packages and luggage.
• Report anyone in possession of too many batteries, “unique’’ batteries, unexplainable wires or too many matches.
• Watch for bags that appear too heavy for their size when being handled.

If you see any of these characteristics, contact the authorities. Remember, that in 2009, the U.S. arrested 15 people for serious terrorist activities and almost all of them were U.S. citizens. The game is changing every day and the stakes are getting much higher.

--Scott Watkowski, Firestorm principal

No Fee Workplace Violence Webinar - Business Continuity Assessment

I am co-hosting a webinar addressing Workplace Violence in Health Centers and will extend a no fee invitation to attendees via this blog.  Many of the issues and dangers associated with Health Centers also apply to most other workplaces. I am sure you will find the information presented informative and a bit disturbing.

Workplace Violence: What it Means to Your Health Center
January 14, 2010 2pm EST/11amPST
Unfortunately, workforce violence is part of the new normal in today’s world, and every healthcare center has a story. Maintaining a safe environment in your healthcare center is of the highest priority.
Preparedness requires comprehensive planning and staff training to identify potential workplace violence issues, develop protocols to address situations, and respond to events that threaten the safety of staff and patients. OSHA has identified workplace violence as a known hazard, and you are required to have a plan.

The National Association of Community Health Centers is pleased to host a webinar on January 14 to address workplace violence in the healthcare community, featuring recognized experts from Firestorm®, a national leader in crisis management, threat assessment, risk management and business continuity. Among the experts will be Firestorm principals Jim Satterfield, who managed the company’s on-site crisis response at Virginia Tech, and Scott Watkowski, a certified personal protection specialist. The presenters will offer insights from their experiences and empower attendees to utilize Firestorm’s PREDICT. PLAN. PERFORM. ® consequence management process.

When seconds matter, a response of minutes will be too late. Consequence management should be added to everyone’s emergency management agenda. This webinar is a first step to assist health centers in building a robust workplace violence plan as part of comprehensive emergency and business continuity management.
What is your plan?
Are you ready?
Workplace Violence: What it Means to Your Health Center
Review of Current Events/Statistics/Approaches—Jim Satterfield & Scott Watkowski
 PREDICT The New Norm: Violence will be the response/What to look for
 PLAN Identify elements of a plan
 PERFORM Train/Notify/How to react (flee/confront)
Conclusion & Action Steps
When: Jan. 14, 2010; 2 p.m. EST/11 a.m. PST
Registration:

Homeland Security - TSA accidentally reveals airport security secrets

Analysis by: Scott Watkowski, PPS

SUMMARY: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is investigating an online posting that revealed agency secrets pertaining to airport passenger screening. The leak is considered serious and exposed details such as: technical settings used by X-ray machines and explosives detectors; 12 countries whose passport holders are automatically subjected to added scrutiny; pictures of credentials used by federal officials; and how often checked bags are to be hand-searched.

STORY LINK: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/08/AR2009120803206.html?wpisrc=newsletter&wpisrc=newsletter&wpisrc=newsletter

ANALYSIS: Today’s sophisticated terrorist groups and many organized crime elements already knew about the security information that was irresponsibly posted to a public/open source of information by the TSA. These groups are very well funded and most have an insider in just about every level of government and major companies. The security information that was compromised would be most valuable to the ‘‘aspiring’’ terrorist or the lone-wolf types. These groups, while small in number and limited in resources, still pose a very real and constant threat to our national security and public safety.

A major area of concern here is the TSA's policies of handling sensitive data and how the breach of operational security happened. Most disturbing is the liaise-fare attitude they have had since this story was revealed. In the private business world, this event would have brought swift legal action for such an unreported disclosure. Something of this magnitude warrants a full investigation and an audit of the agency’s information policies.

The general public and the Department of Homeland Security have every right to be concerned about the TSA’s databases being compromised if there is not a procedure audit and a review of policies. Congress and the associated oversight committees should address how the TSA -- and all government agencies -- are safeguarding sensitive information from outside hackers and internal mishandlings. A check and balance system combined with better accountability would be a step in the right direction.

Firestorm offers Red-Flag Policy Reviews for companies to help them safeguard against disclosures and fines and lawsuits should there be a security breach by hackers or identity thieves. In short, corporations may now be found liable for damages to individuals whose information is stolen. The question for everyone is accountability and auditing your procedures on regular basis.

-- Scott Watkowski, PPS, Firestorm franchise principal