EXpert Security Solutions
Security Insights
We offer practical guidance for leaders and property owners facing real-world security challenges.
Security Teamwork and Leadership February 2026
One service we provide for companies is conducting a Security Audit. This Audit can include recommendations to improve proprietary security officers’ services. Below is an excerpt from a report we wrote for a mine site Security Audit:
“On the security officer side, the consultant visited the security operations center on the first day and discovered the site security manager did not know he had posts not responding to routine radio checks for over a day. The security officer who managed radio calls was sick, and the shift supervisor who took over did not communicate this to the site supervisor. The consultant simply went into the security operations center, looked at the radio log software, and noted the discrepancy. “
Proprietary security officers require good leadership, training, and situational awareness. This Audit exposed the lack of security teamwork, leadership, and training. How does an owner understand if their security is actually doing what is required?
Our periodic Security Audits or customized review can help solve these problems. Connect with us!.
Risk Mitigation and Training January 2026
Identify vulnerabilities and prioritize actions to protect your assets.
Short-Cutting Security for Critical Infrastructure December 2025
Assessing security risks for Critical Infrastructure, such as utilities, is an ongoing process. With 20 years of experience in the energy industry, I have evaluated substations. As the Senior Security Consultant, I know the recommended mitigations in the Security Risk Assessment are meant to reduce risks. This excerpt from a report titled “ Considerations for a Power Transformer Emergency Spare Strategy,” was prepared by The Electric Power Research Institute for the Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate Audit.
“With regards to storage, utilities may consider storing their spare transformers at various locations… If the spare is stored at the substation where it would be energized, the time to energization can be minimized because no transportation is necessary...However, the location at the substation potentially subjects the transformer to some of the same threats that the spare is intended to address…”
It noted “…the spare equipment should be readily accessible, but a physical distance from the equipment being replaced [is recommended] to minimize the possibility of damage as a result of collateral or intentional.” *
In December, I drove by a nearby utility substation and saw two spare transformers next to the fence line. It appeared that the placement was convenient for the workers who would have to move them later. It appears that not all utilities have included security in their temporary placement of transformers under the NERC CIP-006 and CIP-014 standards.
A risk assessment might classify the threat as low, but since transformer replacements currently take more than a year, what is the impact on business and reliability?
Conducting a periodic walk-through audit or Security Risk Assessment of substations can help reduce vulnerabilities and prevent potential disruptions to your critical infrastructure. We offer that solution while complying with the standards. Contact us.
*NERC, ̊ Served Impact Resilience: Considerations and Recommendations.” Severe Impact Resilience Task Force, May 9, 2012.
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One way to mitigate risk is through training. Small, discussion-based workshops examining standardized security scenarios are Ideal for small groups of participants. For risk mitigation training we meet with stakeholder to discuss which type of exercise is best suited for the client. The training can be in the form of a workshop, a table top exercise or live drills with personnel.
With the client’s participation, we identify the objectives, the date/time, and then conducted the training. After the training an After-Action Brief is presented to the stakeholders which includes their feedback and recommended next steps. A similar process is use with larger groups to create a unique, multi-scenario exercise with employees, staff and management personnel.
Recently, we conducted a live drill for a client with site safety personnel and the contracted security guards’ services. The scenario was based on an unknown actor entering the site through a gate which was for vehicle traffic only. The person was told to continue to walk past the security officer post and ignore all else. This tested existing protocols, including the officer ability to detect and response to the event, and notification process. The officer failed to give verbal commands to the intruder, but did call for help. About a quarter mile down the road, inside the site, the site response element caught up with the intruder and took appropriate actions as per their procedures.
The sight had a fence line, AI Agent enable cameras at the vehicle entrance, plus a fully staffed Security Operations Center. The point of failure, the vulnerability, was human. Mitigations to threats include training by using risk-based drills, workshops, or Table Tops exercises. We deliver this type of risk mitigation training for your business or organization. Contact us.
Expediency and Security
Common Questions
What are "Security Insights?"
Security insights offer practical guidance for real-world safety challenges.
Who benefits from this guidance?
Business leaders, security directors, security managers, and property owners, school/church leadership can find tailored advice here.
How do I apply these insights?
Use the practical tips to strengthen security plans and respond effectively to risks.
Is this advice up to date?
Yes, guidance reflects current challenges and best practices.
Can I ask for personalized support?
Absolutely, reach out anytime for tailored security advice.
Where do real-world scenarios come from?
Scenarios are drawn from actual security situations faced by our consultants and clients.
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