You must have read a lot of stuff about how to be security conscious. But the key is MORE, implying that you may be security conscious to an extent, but there is need for improvement. Just as the enemy- armed robbers, kidnappers, terrorists and assasins keep improving their nefarious skills; one must keep on being more security conscious.
So, here are five additional ways of improving your security consciousness at home, at work and in transit (between home and work).
1: BE UNPREDICTABLE RANDOMNESS_
The enemy while understanding a target looks for consistent patterns in your daily life.
You follow same route to and from work, you always drink, club, party or keep late nights every Friday, you use same password for all your ATM cards, the same taxi cab takes you to work every day or takes your kids to school. The more predictable you become, the easier it is for the enemy to strike.So allow some form of randomness in your life. As they say the only constant thing in life is change, likewise try change some static patterns in your life that can be used as clues by the enemy to strike.
2: BE SECRETIVE– TALK LESS_
Don’t share personal information with strangers. The enemy works with information before striking. The more they know, the more accurate the attack. The less they know, the less accurate the attack. So, how can you protect yourself? By keeping your mouth shut. Learn not to share private information in public places such as the bus, beer parlour, church, school or any other public gathering. You never know who is sitting close by eaves dropping on your conversation. Always low your voice while on the phone, especially while discussing business!
3: BE ACCOUNTABLE– KEEP RECORDS_
Nothing is missing if there’s no record for it’s existence. One good way to guard against theft of properties or valuable items is to ensure proper records are kept. This is especially true if you are away from home or work. Keep track of your money, keep track of your luggage and keep track of your time. Avoid any unnecessary discussions with strangers who may be using delay tactics to tie you down while the enemy is working.
4: BE ACCOMPANIED– NEVER WALK ALONE_
As much as possible, try not to walk alone, especially during odd hours. If you are leaving home early to work, make friends with someone else on your street who leaves as early as you do too. If you come home late from work, and you live in a lonely neighborhood, ask your family member to wait up for you mid way. This is why police officers have partners. Despite the fact that they are armed, they are sent out in two and never alone.
5: BE INSURED– SECURING YOUR LOSS_
No matter how security conscious one can be, there are some threats, risk or dangers that are outside your direct control. These are natural occurrences like fire, flood, accident, etc.
Because they are not man-made, they are hardly prevented.
So the only way to minimize threats, risks or dangers caused by nature is to insure your losses. Meaning, insurance is a good security measure. Even the providers of security make use of insurance.
