The strength of your security system comes to huge test during the clandestine actions of a determined attacker. It is said; a chain is as strong as its weakest links. A determined attacker is any complex person or group who are hell-bent on compromising the security system of a facility in order to carry out a preplanned criminal act. Such act may include financial fraud, corruption, theft of sensitive information, theft of assets, diversion or adulteration of products, direct attack on properties, disruption of operation. In some other cases, it may involve robbery, theft, rape, assault, and murder.

Hardly can any security design deter a determined attacker. At most it becomes win-win or win-lost battle; however, attempt would have been made and an incident created. A determined attack is carried out by criminal(s) who are motivated, mobilized and ready to breach security and disrupt peace at any cost. The consequence of the act holds no meaning to them; sometimes the consequence is perhaps the motivation.

A determined attacker may be anyone – the diehard/disgruntled employee, a jail-prone criminal, a business partner (current or former), supplier, vendor, contractor, a customer, etc. In other case, a determined attacker maybe a close family relative such as sibling, child, a spouse/lover, a domestic staff, a friend, a foe, a fellow club/association or religious member, a passer-by, a teacher/student, a worker, the list is endless etc.

The only limit to who becomes a determined attacker is the function of the mind. Make no mistakes about this, yes! Anyone can be a potential determined attacker. A determined attacker may be a professional or impulse criminal. A determined attack maybe motivated by some personal, pecuniary, religious/political and ideological interest, socio-economic, emotional factors. Anything could serve as motivation for the attack. The type and method of attack may just be the difference. A determined attacker can mobilize and deploy just any kind of resources required to accomplish the mission; failure is the last on their mind. Obsession is their possession.

In same vein, a determined attacker is ready and patient to work along, work with the organization; assist the would-be victim, romance, care and love the would-be victim, worship at same place, trade/negotiate with you, contest with you, etc. However, in all of these, he/she studies the organization. Taking note of the strengths and the weaknesses, uses same to build the strategy required to execute the mission while waiting for the appropriate time to attack.

Some measures against determined attacker include;

Awareness of Their Existence: it is the goal of this article to draw attention and give insight to existence of these peculiar criminals amongst us.

Strong Security System: as much resource can afford, put in place effective security controls for both preventive and reactive response. E.g., physical barriers; fences, gates, doors, locks, burglary proof, fire extinguishers, guardforce, procedures, CCTV and intrusion system; panic buttons, etc.

Routine Due Diligence: this requires that background check must be carried out prior to activation of employment or engagement.

Audit/Quality Control: periodically carry out audit of all risks control systems. Look out for and properly investigate anything that may seem out of place no matter how unimportant they appear.

Teamwork/Networking: teamwork bring different brain and heart in the game, oftentimes produces better results. Problem is, victim oftentimes relegate or ignore them. Pay attention to these.

Recognition Of Early Warning: please note, there is always a clue, sign, or redflag underneath any criminal project.

Emergency Preparedness: at all times, hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

Note this; our contemporary society is full of determined attackers in various shades. These are individuals who are feeling frustrated, disenchanted and incapacitated in their worlds thus, find solace in giving back to society whom they held responsible for their predicaments by breaching security, disrupting peace and unleashing harm with impunity. They are found everywhere!

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About Author

Azubuike Nwenewo

is a seasoned Security Practitioner; Police Officer, Security Coach, Blogger and Author. He is passionate about peacebuilding and value protection. He is an advocate for positive peace and demilitarization. He likes reading and writing.

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