Cyber security extends beyond traditional desktop and laptop computers; it also includes:
Safeguard your portable devices to protect both the machine and the information it contains. Read the rest of this entry »
As the end of 2011 approaches, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued partnership and business with Angel Alert Network (AAN). It is associates and clients like you who make our job a pleasure and success. Read the rest of this entry »
Anyone involved in international communications should be aware of the threats and vulnerabilities that exist through methods of communication like telephones, computers, and fax machines. This article is the first in a series that discusses security measures your organization can take to secure your electronic transmissions. Read the rest of this entry »
Last month, we covered overall awareness and image tips. But the topic of awareness doesn’t stop there! There are several things you can do to become more aware of your environment, thereby reducing your risk to threats, danger, and crime. Read the rest of this entry »
Awareness is a practice in being cognizant of your environment and how you should interact with that environment. Especially in a foreign country, awareness plays a huge role in your security. Read the rest of this entry »
An up-to-date emergency information form can make the difference between an emergency situation successfully resolved and a full-blown crisis concluding in devastating results. Especially if you are taking a trip, be sure to update your emergency information prior to your departure. Keep a hard copy on file for yourself and share a copy with your organization, family members, and a close friend. An individual not traveling or living with you should maintain a copy of the emergency form. Good security practices involve reviewing your emergency information prior to leaving for a trip and at least once every six months, whichever is sooner.
A helpful emergency information form includes the following pieces: Read the rest of this entry »
Planning to travel away from home? To a foreign country? Traveling in your home country is very different from traveling abroad. Overseas travelers must deal with local culture, language barriers, and foreign government officials. There are several things you can do before you travel to make your time abroad smooth and enjoyable. Whether you are traveling for business or as a tourist, you can easily learn how to travel abroad in complete safety when you put some thought and planning into your trip. Read the rest of this entry »
Poor email practices are as dangerous as a loaded gun!
Whether you are emailing someone in a “closed” country, or live in a closed country yourself, it’s important to monitor the words and information you share. Below are some guidelines for keeping your emails sensitive for those whose correspondence may be under scrutiny (Advise individuals or organizations emailing you to practice the same measures):
NEVER mention the names of specific countries, cities or locations
ALWAYS use general references like “North Africa”
Limit the use of full names
With abductions increasing all over the world, one can implement safety measures to minimize this risk. Do you inform someone where you are or where you are going? Informing someone of your whereabouts (physical location) would enable someone to locate you in case of this misfortune. This article will talk about this simple procedure called “Checking In.”
When traveling, it’s important to maintain a low profile, no matter what your situation or reason for traveling. Travelers make the mistake of offering information to strangers that could compromise their security in situations where they are used to engaging in “small talk”. This often happens in hotel elevators, where people are trying to appear friendly. Whether or not you are in a relatively “safe” area, here are some pointers about information that is safe to volunteer, as well as the kind of information you should NEVER share.
NEVER give away your hotel name, and more importantly your room number. If you are riding in the elevator of the hotel you are staying in and feel uncomfortable about the people in the elevator with you knowing what floor you are on, hit the button for a different floor and then wait for another elevator to get to your floor.
NEVER tell anyone on the road where you are planning on staying, stopping next, etc. It’s best to keep an extremely low profile while traveling by car. When stopping at rest areas, etc. do your best to keep information about where you’re going under wraps. Sometimes it’s ok to offer a direction (“I’m going west”), especially if it’s going to be apparent as soon as you pull out of the area, but keep it as vague as possible. More often than not, people will get the hint that you would rather not disclose your destination.
NEVER give personal information such as your occupation, what organization you’re with, mobile phone number or email address to a stranger.
NEVER give information about how long you’re staying, when you are planning on flying out/driving out, any meetings or seminars you are planning on attending, and so forth.
AVOID talking loudly with friends or acquaintances in public situations. The point is to keep a low profile, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing. Don’t yell across crowded restaurants to friends, openly discuss travel plans, etc. where someone could overhear.
The most important thing is to be aware of your surroundings – if you notice someone paying attention to you or a conversation you’re having, don’t be afraid to move or change the topic of your conversation.
AAN Online