As a start let’s clarify what is considered a high-stake facility. A safety critical infrastructure is a term used mostly by governments to describe the kind of facility that if something goes wrong the safety and/or well-being of masses will be affected negatively. That is a wide term including facilities related to:
• the world or state economy
• a country’s’ protection and interests
• facilities related to public protection such as police, agencies: CIA, NSA, Europol, Interpol, civil defense etc
• mass transportation mediums such as airplanes and ships
• nuclear facilities
• NASA and European Space Agency
• Chemical facilities
• Weapon manufacturers
• Financial institutions controlling worldwide economy
• High-tech companies with cutting-edge technology
• Top 500 companies or businesses with billions in revenue

Today thought I would like to focus to just one component for such facilities which is the most essential; people. Something that is considerable even in lower threat facilities and businesses, but its impact is lower as well so while scaling up in threat level we must step up our game plan for the insiders’ selection.

Today thought I would like to focus to just one component for such facilities which is the most essential; people. Something that is considerable even in lower threat facilities and businesses, but its impact is lower as well so while scaling up in threat level we must step up our game plan for the insiders’ selection.

Evaluating people’s threat level for the business is an artful process as you will need to build their profile bit by bit and on a continues base. An essential part in this process is going to be a good relationship establishment with the local and international police and establishing assets as informants.

You think I am overreacting?

Let me tell you a secret. No matter how secure your facility is, the people who will design it, set it up, operate it and their ability to evaluate the threat level, select the right people, compartmentize information for the remaining of the staff is a non- negotiable for your facility’s protection.

Just keep in mind that if you fall in the category of safety critical infrastructures you have a responsibility to select the right people and at the same time you protect your facility survival. Security has become the most valuable asset for business survival.

One last thing, stress is not one of the characteristics of the right security professional. At the times they must perform more, which is basically always, they must be able to have a clear head and perform to the fullest of their capabilities. I believe the best way it has been described was by Will Smith. He said, and I quote, “You must realize that the point of maximum danger is the point of minimum fear”. When you are protecting safety critical facilities you have already established familiarity with risk and fear does not exist in your vocabulary.