Solid Thinking on Security Convergence
What convergence means for Boston Scientific's security program
Ask Lynn Mattice, CSO for Boston Scientific, how he looks at security convergence and you're going to get a refreshing look at something that many in the industry have pigeon-holed simply as security data going over an IP network or as the combination of the IT security and physical security departments.
It's so much more than that, Mattice told SecurityInfoWatch.com this morning. At Boston Scientific, he looks at convergence at the broadest level. What does he mean? Mattice equates convergence with security awareness and responsibility (and acceptance of risk) expanding to all departments, so that each department within the company understands the risks they bring to the company and takes their part in managing and/or mitigating that risk. Additionally, security truly converges, says Lynn, when it's able to align its operations with that of the entire company - such that the mission of security aligns with the overarching business drivers of the enterprise.
It's a powerful message and food for thought. Mattice, a member of the Security Executive Council, will expand on these topics in an SIW Radio podcast next week. The concepts will also be presented at the GSO 2010 event. Stay tuned!
Dry Runs in the Airports
Game on at the airports as suspicious devices put TSA on alert
Far and away, the biggest news of this week was a TSA memo about how suspicious items in luggage have been found that point to "dry runs" of terror attempts. Picture a mass of wires and a watch attached to a block of cheese, or a tube with wiring sticking from the ends; it was not clear from the memo whether these were believed to have been actual terrorist tests. Nonetheless, it reinforces the need to stay vigilant when looking for suspicious items. Sometimes the dragnet grabs the wrong item - such as when a game in a checked bag caused an evacuation at the Long Beach, Calif., airport - but overall, the message is positive: The TSA is finding the potential threats.
And in other news...
NBFAA working to get word out on AMPS; Big security bill considered by House; more
The NBFAA is working to get the word out to the public that they need to call their alarm services provider before the AMPS sunset hits next February. ... Speaking of alarm systems, apparently cities can really make headway in reducing false alarms without going to verified response policies. Kirkland, Wash. (near Seattle) enacted an ordinance and saw a 47 percent decrease in false alerts. ... Supreme Security has purchased CAT Alarm Systems, expanding the company's presence in Jersey. ... Having passed the Senate last night, the House is reportedly considering a major security bill that examines DHS funding, 9/11 Commission recommendations and air and port security measures. ... Municipal surveillance camera networks have apparently become all the rage; Charlottesville, Va., is considering municipal surveillance.
Finally, a look at the most popular stories of the week (thanks for making SIW the most-read site for the security industry!):
