Business Intelligence Commons^™

When Metal Theft Becomes A Life Safety Crisis, Alan Saquella

Publications

By any traditional measure, scrap and metal theft has long been categorized as a property crime, costly, disruptive, and frustrating, but rarely viewed as an immediate threat to human life. That framing, however, no longer reflects reality. What was once considered a nuisance crime has evolved into something far more consequential, particularly when it intersects with critical infrastructure.

Building on the risks outlined in “Scrap Disposal: When the End of the Supply Chain Becomes a Brand and Public Safety Risk,” by Marcos Fontes, a more serious dimension comes into focus when essential systems are targeted. In these cases, the impact …

Behavioral Assessment Software: Enhancing Polygraph And Investigative Interviewing, Alan Saquella

Publications

In the rapidly evolving world of security, law enforcement, and investigative sciences, professionals are increasingly turning to advanced technologies to supplement tried-and-true methodologies. One emerging innovation is behavioral assessment software, designed to enhance both pre-employment screening and investigative interviewing. Acting as a form of modern human intelligence collection, these tools enable examiners and investigators to gather deeper insights directly from candidates and subjects, revealing behavioral cues and risk indicators that might otherwise remain hidden (Vrij, 2008).

Importantly, behavioral assessment software is not intended to replace polygraph or other traditional investigative methods. Instead, it functions as a complementary resource—one that provides …

Preventing Workplace Violence: A Strategic Imperative For Today’S Organizations, Alan Saquella

Publications

Workplace violence is a critical and growing concern for organizations across all industries. It encompasses a wide spectrum from bullying and verbal threats to physical assaults and, in the most tragic cases, homicide. While acts of extreme violence often dominate news headlines, they are typically preceded by missed warning signs and failed interventions.

Safeguarding Intellectual Property: A Strategic Imperative For Organizations, Alan Saquella

Publications

Intellectual property (IP) is more than a legal concept — it is the foundation of innovation and the engine that drives growth, differentiation, and long-term success. From proprietary algorithms to product designs, trade secrets, and customer data, IP represents the most valuable asset many organizations possess. When compromised, the damage can be severe — manifesting in lost revenue, competitive disadvantage, reputational harm, and in some cases, the collapse of entire business lines.

Conducting Background Checks In The Corporate Security Environment, Alan Saquella

Publications

In the current threat landscape, the background check has become a critical frontline defense in protecting corporate assets, brand integrity and personnel safety. But as any security leader will tell you, the traditional background check — focused on criminal history, employment verification and references — has limitations, especially in today’s regulatory environment.

Federal and state restrictions continue to erode the depth and scope of what can be legally reviewed, and meanwhile, insider threats and deceptive candidates are becoming more sophisticated. In this context, it's no longer about whether to conduct background checks — it's about how to conduct them effectively, …

Balancing The Workload In Executive Protection: Is It Time To Outsource The Advance?, Alan Saquella, Tim Sharpe

Publications

In the evolving world of executive protection (EP), the days of focusing solely on physical security are over. Today’s EP professionals are responsible for an ever-expanding array of duties, from travel logistics and site assessments to digital threat monitoring and cyber hygiene education. This growing workload is pushing teams to rethink traditional approaches, and one question now stands at the forefront of that discussion: Should executive protection teams begin outsourcing advance operations to specialized agencies or companies?

Manage External And Internal Threats To Commercial Spaces, Alan Saquella

Publications

Securing commercial buildings is a multifaceted challenge that demands a comprehensive and proactive approach. From office complexes and retail hubs to industrial facilities and healthcare institutions, these spaces serve as critical pillars of commerce, administration, and service delivery. Protecting them requires a blend of physical safeguards, advanced technologies and well-defined operational protocols.

Chief Executive Officers, Accountability And Hidden Violations, Alan Saquella

Publications

Corporate governance demands transparency, ethical leadership and accountability from Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). However, numerous cases suggest that CEOs often wield significant influence over what is reported to their boards of directors, particularly when it comes to internal misconduct, regulatory violations, and criminal activity. This lack of transparency raises serious concerns about ethical and legal obligations, as well as the effectiveness of board oversight.

Insider Risks And The Evolving Role Of Executive Protection Professionals In Cybersecurity, Alan Saquella

Publications

Insider risks have long been a critical concern in corporate security, traditionally encompassing threats from employees, contractors, or third-party vendors with access to sensitive information. However, as digital transformation accelerates, the convergence of physical and cyber threats has created new vulnerabilities. Executive protection (EP) professionals, historically tasked with safeguarding high-profile individuals from physical threats, now find themselves on the frontlines of combating cyber-criminal attacks. Expanding their skill sets to include cybersecurity awareness is no longer optional—it is a necessity.

This article explores insider risks, the growing need for executive protection professionals to adapt, and practical ways they can enhance their …

A Critical Challenge: Understanding And Addressing Insider Threats, Alan Saquella

Publications

In today’s hyper-connected world, insider threats have become one of the most pressing challenges for organizations. While external attacks like ransomware and hacking often dominate the headlines, insider threats posed by employees, contractors, or others with internal access are equally, if not more, dangerous. Whether arising from malice, negligence or coercion, insiders have unparalleled access to sensitive systems and data, making their actions potentially catastrophic. The critical insider security issues organizations face and the actionable strategies for mitigation are actions that organizations must take.

Protect Small Businesses: Addressing Security Threats And Insider Risks, Alan Saquella

Publications

Small businesses face unique security challenges that make them highly vulnerable compared to larger organizations. While large companies often have dedicated teams of cybersecurity experts, fraud examiners, investigators and the resources to implement robust security measures, small businesses typically operate with limited budgets and minimal staff, making them prime targets for a variety of internal and external threats.

A Workplace Security Framework: Mitigating Employee-Related Threats, Alan Saquella

Publications

In the modern discussion on workplace security, the focus often centers around preventing active shootings and violence stemming from terminated or disgruntled employees. The article “Publicly Humiliating Events: A Precursor to Workplace Violence” by Karie Gibson, Lauren Brubaker and Andre Simons rightly highlights the crucial role that public humiliation plays in triggering such violent acts. However, beyond the immediate threat of homicide, there exists a broader spectrum of potential risks posed by former employees, including acts of sabotage, espionage, vandalism and cyberattacks, all of which demand attention and proactive measures from security professionals.

Strengthening National Infrastructure Resilience, Alan Saquella

Publications

The current landscape of critical infrastructure organizations is undergoing a paradigm shift, characterized by dynamic workforce structures that include remote, hybrid and diverse work settings, alongside generational transformations. However, this shift presents a formidable challenge — the persistent and escalating threat of insider attacks. Reports estimating the cost per insider threat incident at over $15 million underscore the urgency for a broad and thorough approach encompassing prevention, mitigation, investigation and reporting mechanisms.

Strengthening National Infrastructure Resilience: A Strategy For Addressing The Evolving Challenge Of Insider Threats, Alan Saquella

Publications

The current landscape of critical infrastructure organizations is undergoing a paradigm shift, characterized by dynamic workforce structures that include remote, hybrid, and diverse work settings, alongside generational transformations. However, this shift presents a formidable challenge—the persistent and escalating threat of insider threats and attacks. Reports estimating the cost per insider threat incident at over $15 million underscore the urgency for a broad and thorough approach encompassing prevention, mitigation, investigation, and reporting mechanisms.

The Essential Roles Of Forensic Linguists And Expert Interrogators In National Security, Alan Saquella

Publications

Language is a multifaceted element intricately woven into the tapestry of human behavior, serving as a pivotal medium for comprehending and deterring crime. Within this realm, forensic linguists and expert interrogators emerge as distinct yet interconnected professions, playing vital roles in unraveling the complexities of language to ensure public safety and national security. This article sheds light on the shared responsibilities and significance of these professionals in crime prevention and explores why their expertise is crucial for Executive Protection and Security Professionals.

Enhancing Retail Security: Combatting Insider Theft, Alan Saquella

Publications

In the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of the retail sector, the imperative task of thwarting theft has undergone substantial transformations. A cause for heightened concern arises from the significant uptick in employee involvement. This article delves deep into the intricate tactics employed by employees to pilfer from their employers, shedding light on effective mitigation strategies. A special emphasis is placed on the pivotal role of pre-employment screening and the inventive application of behavioral assessment software to fortify security measures.

Analysis Of Us Airline Stocks Performance Using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (Lda), Amina Issoufou Anaroua

Beyond: Undergraduate Research Journal

Various events, such as changes in the interest rate or the hijacking of a commercial aircraft, can lead to significant shifts in airline stock performance. This study aimed to measure the impact of aviation-related news announcements on the stock performance of US airlines, focusing on different topics. The dataset included aviation news covering airlines, airports, regulations, safety, accidents, manufacturers, MRO, incidents, aviation training, general aviation, and others obtained from Aviation Voice. To uncover patterns that could explain the movements of US airline stocks, a natural language processing technique called Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) was employed. The process involved text mining …

Importance Of Crisis Management And Business Continuity Teams, Alan Saquella

Publications

Just as distracted drivers can cause accidents, businesses must be prepared to mitigate risks and distractions during times of crisis. Issues occurring on the road can be mirrored in the corporate world, emphasizing the importance of crisis management and business continuity teams.

5 Strategies For Advocating For A Security Budget Increase, Alan Saquella

Publications

In the ever-evolving landscape of security threats, Chief Security Officers (CSOs) in global corporations are encountering an unprecedented array of challenges when it comes to fortifying their organizations against potential harm.

To bolster the case for budget increases, it is imperative for CSOs to possess a profound understanding of the multifaceted factors contributing to security breaches.

Advancements In Technology Empower Loss Prevention Professionals In Security Investigations, Alan Saquella

Publications

In recent years, the field of security investigations has witnessed a profound transformation, owing to the rapid integration of technology. Loss Prevention professionals have been at the forefront of this revolution, harnessing advanced tools and capabilities that have greatly enhanced their effectiveness in preventing and resolving criminal activities. This article explores how the use of technology, including drones, cameras, AI, video analytics, and intelligence software, has reshaped security investigations and how staying on the cutting edge of these advancements is crucial for the future of this field.

The Importance Of Security Leadership Involvement In Crisis Response Practice For Real-Life Emergencies, Alan Saquella

Publications

In today’s dynamic business and socioeconomic landscape, the potential for crises to disrupt entity operations and tarnish reputations is an ever-present reality. From natural disasters and cyber-attacks to financial meltdowns and product recalls, organizations must be unwaveringly prepared to navigate worst-case scenarios effectively. Crisis management and crisis communication experts unequivocally stress the critical importance of practicing responses to such crises, and the involvement of security leadership plays a crucial role in ensuring comprehensive preparedness. In this article, we delve into the undeniable advantages of preparing for real-life emergencies through rigorous simulation and training with the active engagement of security leadership.

Prevention And Mitigation Of White-Collar Crime, Alan Saquella

Publications

As professional fraud examiners, investigators, prosecutors and regulators, security leaders can all appreciate that white-collar crime is not subsiding. While it is committed in professional or business settings involving financial deception or manipulation, it continues to grow and pose significant challenges to society. To effectively combat and mitigate this type of crime, it is crucial to delve deeper into the key factors of white-collar crime.

The Significance Of Executive Protection In Collaborative Crisis Management Planning, Alan Saquella

Publications

In today’s dynamic and unpredictable business landscape, organizations face numerous potential crises that can disrupt operations and damage their reputation. To effectively mitigate the adverse impact of such events, organizations must consider executive protection as a crucial component of their crisis management planning. This article emphasizes the importance of collaborative crisis management planning, highlighting the critical role of executive protection in ensuring business continuity.

Executive Protection And Identity Theft Recognition, Prevention And Mitigation, Alan Saquella

Publications

In today’s digital age, where the threat of identity theft looms large, executive protection professionals play a crucial role in safeguarding the lives and assets of their clients. Beyond their primary responsibility of physical protection, EP professionals should look for opportunities to educate their clients on the risks of identity theft and fraud. These threats have become increasingly pervasive and sophisticated in today’s society, making it essential for individuals to be well-informed and prepared.

Unveiling The Power Of Pre-Employment Investigations: Safeguarding Organizations With Advanced Behavioral Assessments, Alan Saquella

Publications

Conducting workplace investigations can be a challenging and daunting task, especially when internal investigators have personal knowledge or relationships with the individuals involved. To ensure impartiality and objective fact-finding, organizations often rely on external sources for such investigations. Among the several types of workplace investigations, pre-employment investigations hold significant importance in mitigating risks and protecting organizations from potential losses.

This article explores the critical role of pre-employment investigations and emphasizes the integration of advanced behavioral assessments, such as Verensics, to effectively screen out undesirable applicants.

Photography In Executive Protection, Alan Saquella

Publications

Photography plays a crucial and multifaceted role in the field of executive protection, encompassing a range of applications that contribute to the development of threat assessments, security plans, real-time surveillance, incident documentation, and training. The use of photography as a visual tool enables executive protection professionals to identify vulnerabilities, monitor potential threats, gather evidence, and improve their overall protective strategies. One of the key applications of photography in executive protection is the identification and monitoring of individuals who may pose a threat to the client.

Ep And Security Professionals Help In The Fight Against Fraud, Alan Saquella

Publications

Fraud and corruption remain a significant issue for organizations worldwide, with the latest ACFE Report to the Nations indicating that it costs over $300 million, and corruption is one of the most prevalent methods of fraud. The lack of equal application of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in other countries due to cultural differences is one reason fraud and corruption persist. However, there are several ways in which organizations can curb the increase in white-collar crime, including the integration of security and executive protection into their fraud prevention strategies.

Essentials: Report Writing For Executive Protection And Security Professionals, Alan Saquella

Publications

Investigative reports are an essential component of journalism, law enforcement, and security and other areas that involve uncovering and documenting information. The purpose of these reports is to provide accurate, objective, and comprehensive information about a particular subject or event. In executive protection and the security industry in general, report writing must be complete, concise, clear, correct, and fair.

Internal And Security Investigations Today, Alan Saquella

Publications

Years of experience and discussions with colleagues in the corporate investigative field agree that internal and employee investigations can be disruptive to the work environment. Many workplace investigations are conducted are incredibly unsettling due to an extensive list of challenges, circles, and processes to follow. Security investigations are time consuming, expensive, embarrassing for interviewees, cause loss of productivity, and damage morale as they drag on.

Business Inferences And Risk Modeling With Machine Learning; The Case Of Aviation Incidents, Burak Cankaya, Kazim Topuz, Aaron M. Glassman

Publications

Machine learning becomes truly valuable only when decision-makers begin to depend on it to optimize decisions. Instilling trust in machine learning is critical for businesses in their efforts to interpret and get insights into data, and to make their analytical choices accessible and subject to accountability. In the field of aviation, the innovative application of machine learning and analytics can facilitate an understanding of the risk of accidents and other incidents. These occur infrequently, generally in an irregular, unpredictable manner, and cause significant disruptions, and hence, they are classified as "high-impact, low-probability" (HILP) events. Aviation incident reports are inspected by …