American Companies Are Not Prepared for Physical Threats
The threat landscape has changed dramatically. As a nation, we’re seeing an uneven recovery, with masks and social distancing in some places, while others are wide open. Concerts and outdoor events are selling out in record time, even as law enforcement agencies warn that domestic extremists could exploit them for violence. The pandemic spurred 15…
Read MoreRevealing the Most Prevalent Physical Security Threats at U.S. Companies
For many executives leading major companies, the threat of violence in the workplace is distant. They don’t think it could ever happen to them, and few want to openly discuss the threats they do receive. Security professionals don’t have that option. They swim in a fast-moving river of threats made by strangers, activists, co-workers and…
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2021 Mid-Year Outlook
State of Protective
Intelligence Report
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Read MoreDiscovering Important Security Lessons in Unexpected Places
This article originally appeared on LinkedIn I was flying solo in a single engine Cessna 172, departing from Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) to two small airports 20 miles away. This trip was categorized as a mini cross country flight as I was gearing up for my final check-ride to get my private pilot license…
Read MoreSupporting Mental Health in a Time Where Corporate Security Teams Need it Most
There are times in my career when there are simply no words and silence is the best option. The never-ending chaos of terrorism certainly affected me, particularly when I was a young special agent. When I close my eyes, I can still see the devastation from many crime scenes, such as hijackings and plane crashes.…
Read MoreProtective Intelligence Lessons From the U.S. Capitol Riot For Companies
This article was originally featured in Security Magazine. After a lifetime in the protection business, the one constant in Washington that I’ve learned is that it takes tragedy to force change. The January 6 Capitol riot is not an enigma. This was a clear protective intelligence failure. The key finding of Retired Army LTG. Russel…
Read MoreGetting Proactive with Protective Intelligence
This article was originally featured on ASIS International. The deadly riots at the U.S. Capitol on 6 January 2021 reinforced the concept that chief security officers’ modern day physical security programs must prioritize protective intelligence to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate harmful threats. As the FBI and law enforcement officials comb through hundreds of thousands…
Read MoreAsk Me Anything with Fred Burton & General James “Spider” Marks
In this Ask Me Anything on-demand webinar, watch as long-time security professionals answer your questions and share:
Read MoreTop Seven Corporate Security Lessons from the Capitol Riot
As a former police officer and special agent in the Washington D.C. area, I am no stranger to large-scale demonstrations. But I could never have imagined mob violence overrunning the U.S. Capitol. The events on January 6 were a clear example of what happens when there is a lack of protective intelligence and contingency planning,…
Read MoreThe 2021 State of Protective Intelligence Report
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Read MoreWhy Enterprises Must Rethink Employee Safety in a Remote Work Environment
This article was originally featured on Forbes Technology Council. “Staying safe” in today’s workplace usually means taking precautions to protect yourself from Covid-19, but even with millions of people across the globe working remotely, corporate security and HR teams still need to consider the issue of workplace violence. A virtual workforce has pushed potential threats…
Read MoreA Call for Change in Physical Security
Fred Burton’s article was originally featured in Dark Reading. We’re at an inflection point. The threats we face are dynamic, emerging, and global. Are you ready? Despite dedicating the majority of my life to protective intelligence in the private and public sectors, I still find it hard to believe when I see companies that have…
Read MoreImplications of Domestic Violence for Corporate Security in the COVID-19 Era
Domestic violence is becoming a growing concern for corporations as more and more employees work remotely. According to several research studies (including In Homeland Security, 2020), domestic violence is thought to have increased by 20% during the COVID-19 pandemic. This statistic not only impacts family relationships but extends to social networks and economic success within…
Read MoreTerminations & Layoffs: Understanding & Preparing for Ex-Employee Backlash
Threat fatigue has become the norm. Planning and coordination are key to job actions. What is your duty of care? Some employees can come back with a vengeance. What key considerations should stakeholders make during the process? Violence in society and the workplace has become so common that it becomes a blur for many, creating…
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