Personal Security
Understanding and Implementing Effective Safety Measures to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
What is Personal Security?
Personal Security is a state of being that emerges after all reasonable and adequate measures have been taken to deter or delay a crime or possible crime. Adequate provision must also be made to warn against such a possible crime. When a warning is issued, personal security is bolstered by quickly summoning help and preparing to address the crime, effectively reducing the likelihood of harm.
Personal security aims to protect people from physical violence, domestic abuse, and predatory adults. It is a sad fact that many people are unaware of these rules or choose to ignore them.
The first step in personal security is to understand that you are, or may be, at risk and may very well be targeted by terrorists or common criminals. It is important that you should not assume that you are not already in the crosshairs of some radical organisation. If you begin by honestly evaluating your risk, then you can take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming a target.
Common elements in a criminal and terrorist attack must be considered when determining a level of risk associated with a particular facility, group, or individual. Attention needs to be paid to both the potential attacker and the potential target.
Among the elements related to the potential assailants are:
Desire: Individuals or organisations need to have a desire or motivation to justify their actions or to receive tangible benefits.
Ability: The capability of these individuals or groups to execute their plans (such as their physical skills, knowledge, and available assets) to enable them to conduct a strike.
Opportunity: Individuals and organisations may select their targets based on vulnerability.
Now, to examine matters from the other point of view, the analysis shifts to the potential victim.
Have you ever considered that you may well be an attractive target? Criminals and terrorists manifest and harbour desire, acquire ability, and then look for the opportunity to commit acts which may undermine your security.
You may very well be a target if you meet these three elements:
Suitability: Would an attack on you further the goals of a criminal or terrorist?
Vulnerability: Are you vulnerable to attack?
Probability of Success: Is an attack on you likely to succeed?
Here are some basic rules for personal security.
General recommendations
Be Aware of Your Surroundings and practice situational awareness at all times.
Avoid routine patterns of behaviour.
Practice adaptability.
Be self-reliant. Self-reliance means being in a position that enables you to help others.
Do not be a hero.
Be aware that movement can keep you alive.
Perception is everything. Walk with confidence, do not look like an easy victim.
Notice baselines.
Be aware of social engineering.
Take the necessary precautions in high-risk locations.
Be Always aware of the location of the nearest safe havens such as police stations, government buildings, embassies or consulates, fire stations and hospitals.
If you have to travel, then you should always conduct research prior to your journey. In particular, you should be aware of the following scenarios:
Look for country-specific travel warnings (forest fires, floods, tsunami, diseases).
Avoid politically unstable regions.
Check on any local criminal activity.
Check the local laws and customs.
Do not dress out of place.
Do not look like a tourist.
Dress and behave conservatively.
Do not use identifiable rental cars.
Avoid places which are commonly frequented by tourists.
Keep a low profile.
Use a separate credit card or cash.
Ensure that any meetings with unknown people are only in very public and familiar places.
Moderate your behaviour.
In conclusion, personal security is a critical aspect of our daily lives that requires attention and proactive measures to ensure our safety and well-being. By understanding the principles of personal security and taking the necessary steps to mitigate risks, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming victims of crime or terrorism.
To further enhance your knowledge and skills in personal security, I recommend reading the following articles in the following order:
Social engineering secrets that everyone needs to know (part 1)
Social engineering secrets that everyone needs to know (part 2)
These articles will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of personal security and equip you with the knowledge and skills to stay safe in various situations. Remember, personal security is a continuous process that requires awareness, adaptability, and proactive measures. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and stay safe.