Embracing boots and suits: security teams take on more in 2023

Regardless of their experience level or location, there is always a sense from close protection practitioners that there's a hunger to get back into the field and closer to the action.

And why not? International travel coupled with diverse and challenging environments is all tied to a sense of mission. This is quintessential for close protection teams and starts with business travel. 

Travel concerns

But, while increasing, it's safe to say that business travel is unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels for some time. 

According to Morning Consult data, 42% of frequent business travellers said they would never return to the road, and just 40% are comfortable flying internationally.

Altered operations

Unpredictable economic winds, uncertain geopolitical risks, and a stay close to home stem from the shift to hybrid work

It's not just the pandemic; unpredictable economic winds, uncertain geopolitical risks, and an increased desire to stay close to home stemming from the shift to hybrid work have altered the operating picture for risk mitigation teams.

There's a movement away from having executive protection teams physically on the ground in every region. 

Creative, agile, and able

Other segments within the security function aren't immune to these trends. There's a movement away from having full physical staffing for every specialty within a security team fewer boots on the ground in intelligence analysis, internal investigations, or threat management, at least for the time being. 

These on-the-ground "boots" will still be around, and organisations will utilise them in different contexts. Consider David Epstein's "Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialised World," which makes a convincing argument that generalists tend to be more creative, agile, and able to make connections that more specialised peers can't see.

Efficiency 

The coming environment will challenge security specialists to expand and build on their talents as risk generalists. The metaphor of boots and suits fits well here.

On the one hand, teams will need to retain the capabilities for fieldwork. On the other, increased demand for generalists means they'll be contributing to overall risk reduction, contributing their expertise across the organisation. It's a challenge that most teams can meet. Technology will help by ensuring continuity of effort and allowing groups to switch between activities efficiently. 

Why technology makes us better generalists

Many specialist techniques have SOPs that technology is good at automating

 How can technology help security teams expand their pool of generalists i.e., allow the threat management expert to improve travel planning or help the executive protection specialist build their data analysis muscles?

Many specialist techniques have standard operating procedures (SOPs) that technology is good at automating.

Mapping software

Over recent years, we've all seen how various investigation platforms have made it easier to surface public records or connect those records and persons of interest.

Likewise, mapping software has accelerated some of the nuts and bolts of travel planning. Actively cross-training teams on these tools will pay off in the long run.

Think out of the box

It's also crucial for security professionals to think outside of the realm of traditional security risks. Yes, we're still in the business of protecting people and assets from threats, but there's a wide range of risks outside of these areas that security teams can help organisations address.

Over the past few years, many security and risk executives took on additional pandemic-related response responsibilities. Not something many would have predicted before the need arose, but it reaffirms confidence that security teams can help pivot to an all-risk footing. 

Break the silos

When platforms integrate data, it creates common operating information and language

Here, technology can help, primarily when it's used to break down silos across organisations.

For example, when platforms integrate data from human resources, legal and compliance, or cybersecurity and IT, it creates common operating information and language, leading to a common operating picture and ultimately enabling streamlined risk decisions.

Not a change in trajectory

There's a greater need for intelligence-driven, operations-led, threat-informed strategies to mitigate the risks that companies face proactively. 

Over the past decade, many large organisations have addressed that need by expanding their security operations centre. They've also expanded the roles and duties dedicated to staffing it, complementing the traditional 'guards and gates' security apparatus with a focused risk intelligence lens.

Generalisation

The move toward generalisation might be seen as a reversal of that trend. That is not the case. These specialists' expertise is invaluable, and that need isn't going away. The force-multiplied support from a generalist can allow for more focused analysis and activities.

In uncertain operating environments, the professional embracing boots and suits have a distinct advantage over a one-trick pony.