A soft target is military and law enforcement jargon that means a given facility has minimal security protection. Attackers find soft targets tempting because the targets are highly vulnerable.
Recently, representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, law-enforcement agencies, private sector entities, and other stakeholders explored security best practices.
Their key points and perspectives are as follows:
1. Protecting people is more important than infrastructure protection.
2. Tabletop exercises and team discussions are important relationship building tools.
3. Building resilient and redundant security is a long-term development process that requires budget support.
4. Build a first name relationship with key law enforcement officials in your arena.
5. Develop a robust workplace violence prevention program and an active shooter/hostile event response/recovery plan.
6. Participate in tabletop, functional, or full-scale security exercises with your local stakeholders, and first responders.
Key Takeaway:
Recognize that your facility is likely a soft target, and take action. Utilize the wealth of open source security information available from the Department of Homeland Security.
What are your thoughts?