The IFSEC Insider Podcast: Security in Focus

Informa Exhibitions

A monthly podcast for physical security professionals to hear from leading figures and influencers in the industry and gain valuable insight into the sector’s latest trends and initiatives, as well as the many challenges facing the profession and how they can be overcome. On the agenda will be everything from security technology, such as video surveillance and access control, through to risk management strategies and building a holistic security organisational culture – and plenty more! read less
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Why physical security is integral to the smart building ecosystem
Sep 18 2023
Why physical security is integral to the smart building ecosystem
How do we define the term, smart building? What does it truly mean and how does one function? Crucially, what is security's role in the development and functionality of smart buildings? Episode 15 of the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcast looks to answer exactly these questions. Well, specifically, Kevin Brownell and Darren Chalmers Stevens from smart consultancy firm, Nuxform, do. Both have a background and expertise in physical security technology, and so are perfectly positioned to answer these questions. They explain why the security team and the assets it owns are fundamental to smart buildings, as well as how managers and directors can ensure their voices are heard in the matter. We also hear from Mike Brooman, CEO at master systems integrator, Vanti. Mike speaks to us from IFSEC in May at the Smart Buildings Immersive Experience, where he discusses the benefits of an integrated environment, where connected data points can provide genuine and actionable insight to make buildings more sustainable and secure. Links to talking points:The central role of access control to the transition to smart buildingsLatest IFSEC Insider articles on Smart BuildingsIFSEC Interviews: Vanti – Empowering smarter buildings with integrated systemsThe next evolution of smart buildings – “Security will have a central role to play”IFSEC Insider's Wireless Access Control Report 2023If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!For more content from IFSEC Insider, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
Why physical security is integral to the smart building ecosystem
Sep 18 2023
Why physical security is integral to the smart building ecosystem
How do we define the term, smart building? What does it truly mean and how does one function? Crucially, what is security's role in the development and functionality of smart buildings? Episode 15 of the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcast looks to answer exactly these questions. Well, specifically, Kevin Brownell and Darren Chalmers Stevens from smart consultancy firm, Nuxform, do. Both have a background and expertise in physical security technology, and so are perfectly positioned to answer these questions. They explain why the security team and the assets it owns are fundamental to smart buildings, as well as how managers and directors can ensure their voices are heard in the matter. We also hear from Mike Brooman, CEO at master systems integrator, Vanti. Mike speaks to us from IFSEC in May at the Smart Buildings Immersive Experience, where he discusses the benefits of an integrated environment, where connected data points can provide genuine and actionable insight to make buildings more sustainable and secure. Links to talking points:The central role of access control to the transition to smart buildingsLatest IFSEC Insider articles on Smart BuildingsIFSEC Interviews: Vanti – Empowering smarter buildings with integrated systemsThe next evolution of smart buildings – “Security will have a central role to play”IFSEC Insider's Wireless Access Control Report 2023If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!For more content from IFSEC Insider, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
Eye on AI - Ethics, human intervention and its impact on security
Aug 17 2023
Eye on AI - Ethics, human intervention and its impact on security
Episode 14 of the Security in Focus podcast welcomes Rajat Kotra, Group Director for Analytics and AI at Informa, as we discuss all things Artificial Intelligence. Beginning with an introduction to what we mean when we're talking about AI, Rajat explains how the technology has developed in the last 15 years and why its usage and applications have exploded in 2023. The episode then moves on to discuss ethical AI, and the importance of human intervention in any decision making process. It's a topic that the security sector is already grappling with, as professionals work out how best to use technology such as facial recognition and ANPR in a proportionate and trusted way. Links to talking points:IBM's Watson computer vs Jeopardy contestants in 2011Latest IFSEC Insider articles on AIHow is AI changing the security sector?Tensions rise over France’s plan for AI video surveillance at Paris OlympicsIs AI-based false alarm filtering the beginning of the end for remote CCTV monitoring as we know it?IFSEC Insider's Wireless Access Control Report 2023If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!For more content from IFSEC Insider, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
The future of fire & security engineers: 3 Raising competency with the FESS standard
Jul 31 2023
The future of fire & security engineers: 3 Raising competency with the FESS standard
Join us for episode three of this exclusive mini-series, brought to you by the IFSEC Insider podcast team. Across the series, we ask what the future looks like for the fire and security engineering sector. The well publicised skills gap, alongside ever-advancing technology and questions over competency are all discussed. In this episode, we hear from Andy Reakes, Tom Brookes and Trevor Jenks. The trio spoke at FIREX in May 2023, presenting on how the industry is raising competency standards in fire and security - doing this through the development of the FESS apprenticeship and experienced worker assessment standards. Andy Reakes of the Joint Industry Board and Electrotechnical Certification Scheme goes into more detail about all of this - covering everything from certifying individual competence, new standards frameworks, and career paths for engineers and technicians. Links to talking points‘Accessible to anyone’: How fire systems professionals can prove and expand competenceMind the gap – how FESS ECS cards are helping the push for improved competency standards across fire and securityElectrotechnical Joint Industry BoardAll you need to know about the FESS apprenticeship standard in fire and securityIFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcastFire emergency and security systems technician apprenticeship standardFor more content from IFSEC Insider, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
The future of fire & security engineers: 2 The 'skills gap' and embracing diversity
Jul 31 2023
The future of fire & security engineers: 2 The 'skills gap' and embracing diversity
Join us for episode two of this exclusive mini-series, brought to you by the IFSEC Insider podcast team. Across the series, we ask what the future looks like for the fire and security engineering sector. The well publicised skills gap, alongside ever-advancing technology and questions over competency are all discussed. In this episode, we talk to Kevin Faulkner from Banham Academy, a fire and security apprenticeship provider based in South London, but that has also recently opened up a training centre in Derby. Having been in the sector for over 20 years, Kevin has significant experience and expertise in the development of apprenticeship standards and the reasons behind the skills gap. He also covers why diversity and inclusivity must be embraced, and the development of the FESS apprenticeship and experienced worker assessment standards. Links to talking pointsBanham AcademyBanham Academy partners with NSI to tackle the industry’s gender gap with Apprenticeship Training Programme for WomenBanham Academy expands with opening of Derby apprenticeship training centreAll you need to know about the FESS apprenticeship standard in fire and securityIFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcastFire emergency and security systems technician apprenticeship standardFor more content from IFSEC Insider, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
The future of fire & security engineers: 1 'Super Engineers'
Jul 31 2023
The future of fire & security engineers: 1 'Super Engineers'
Join us for episode one of this exclusive mini-series, brought to you by the IFSEC Insider podcast team. Across the series, we ask what the future looks like for the fire and security engineering sector. The well publicised skills gap, alongside ever-advancing technology and questions over competency are all discussed. In this episode, we talk to David Scott and Simon Banks from Skills for Security about their vision for the next generation of fire and security installers, engineers and technicians. David and Simon expand on what they describe as the potential for 'super engineers' - expert and highly competent professionals working in a multi-disciplined environment. Links to talking pointsSkills for SecurityEngineers of Tomorrow and WorldSkills UK 2023 competitionAll you need to know about the FESS apprenticeship standard in fire and securityIFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcastFire emergency and security systems technician apprenticeship standardFor more content from IFSEC Insider, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
Professor Martin Gill and security's influence over the budget - Is it enough?
Jun 15 2023
Professor Martin Gill and security's influence over the budget - Is it enough?
Episode 13 of the IFSEC Insider podcast features an interview with well known influencer and researcher in the security industry, Professor Martin Gill. Martin discusses his experience as a criminologist, as well as his takeaways from working with the police, private security industry and criminals themselves to understand how to prevent crime and 'do security well'. The main focus of the episode then explores the latest research from Perpetuity Research, which Martin leads, into how much influence the security sector has over the budget. Ultimately, the research found that security is often lacking influence, despite this being a key factor in delivering good security. Martin explains why this isn't just about 'the money', but relates to the evolution of the security department towards being a critical business operation for continuity and organisational excellence. Links to talking points:Latest SRI report indicates security managers “lack influence over the security budget”84% of leading CSOs expect 2023 physical security budget to match or exceed 2022, Omdia revealsPerpetuity Research Report: Security managers lack influence over the security budget; and how to remedy thatLatest survey from Perpetuity Research: Can security be excellent without the right culture?The Outstanding Security Performance AwardsIf you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!For more content from IFSEC Insider, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
Figen Murray & Martyn's Law, IFSEC and mental health in security
Apr 24 2023
Figen Murray & Martyn's Law, IFSEC and mental health in security
Episode 12 of the Security in Focus podcast features not one, not two, but three guests! First up, hear from Figen Murray all about her push for new security legislation in the UK following the tragic death of her son, Martyn Hett, in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. Figen tells us all about the journey and story behind the campaign, how she's worked with the security industry during the process, and gives her thoughts on the public inquiry into the bombing and what it revealed. You'll also hear from Sarah Meek, Managing Director of mental health charity, Mates in Mind. The charity specialises in providing mental health support and advice for those in the construction sector and in adjacent industries, with security and fire professionals included. Sarah explains how workplace communication can positively impact a colleague or employee's state of mind. And, in the middle, you'll hear all about what went on at IFSEC 2023, which took place between 16-18 May at London's ExCeL, from Event Director, Gerry Dunphy! Links to talking points:Register for the Martyn's Law Conference at IFSEC Find out more about Martyn's Law & the Protect DutyManchester Arena Inquiry latestRead: Interview with Sarah Meek, MD of Mates in MindMates in Mind - mental health charityMates in Mind calls on companies to start the conversation about mental healthIf you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!For more content from IFSEC Global, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
What's next for access control? Lee Odess on the impact of Big Tech
Mar 28 2023
What's next for access control? Lee Odess on the impact of Big Tech
What is the future of physical access control? Why is the market moving from security hardware-driven to convenience software-driven solutions? How is the emergence of Big Tech impacting the traditional industry expectations? All of this is on the agenda on episode 11 of the Security in Focus podcast, as access control expert Lee Odess provides us with his view. Lee explains the growth of 'proptech' solutions and why convenience is now just as important to end-users as security credentials. He takes us back to the early beginnings of access control technology, and how requirements have evolved as software has opened up new opportunities and use cases. Lee also presented at IFSEC 2023 on the Tech Talks theatre.Links to talking points:News story: National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) absorbs responsibilities of CPNINews story: Latest on the Manchester Arena InquiryLee Odess and the Access Control Executive BriefIFSEC Global's Physical Access Control Report 2022If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!For more content from IFSEC Global, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
Security as a community, mentoring & responding to crises with Bonnie Michelman
Mar 2 2023
Security as a community, mentoring & responding to crises with Bonnie Michelman
Join host James Moore for a fascinating discussion with Bonnie Michelman, IFSEC Global Security Influencer of the Year in 2022, for episode 10 of the Security in Focus podcast. Bonnie's current role means she is ultimately responsible for managing the security processes and team of the largest healthcare provider in the state of Massachusetts, Mass General Brigham, which includes 13 hospitals and hundreds of satellites. Bonnie has also been president of three major security associations during her career, leaving us with plenty to discuss. During the episode, we talk about the response of the security sector to the 9/11 terror attacks in the United States in 2001, the importance of associations and mentoring programmes, protecting healthcare sites during COVID-19, and what traits make for a successful career in security.Links to talking points:News story: Training, pay rates and protection for UK security operatives in 2023 - Opportunities for change?News story: Laser detection challenges camera based analytics for surveillance and people tracking applicationsGlobal Security Influencer of the Year 2022: Bonnie MichelmanIFSEC Global Podcast: Episode 8 – Securing healthcare facilities during a pandemic and beyondASIS International If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!For more content from IFSEC Global, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
Working towards gender equality in security, fire and safety
Jan 25 2023
Working towards gender equality in security, fire and safety
Episode 9 of the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast centres on a discussion we recently hosted about gender equality in the security, fire and safety sectors. It's a fascinating and extremely eye-opening chat between representatives from women's networks across the professions, to understand how gender bias and discrimination exists, the challenges faced and what organisations, managers and individuals can do to better support gender equality. Host, Charlotte Geoghegan, also hears about the development of the different women's networks, why they exist and their future goals. Thank you to Letitia Emeana, Fiona Perrin, Andrea White and Heather Beach for their insight. Links to talking points:“We need to actively encourage diversity in the fire sector, and I believe that starts with encouraging diversity of thought"Women’s networks and experiences in fire, safety and security – Your questions answered“Why can’t we change the face of physical security?” – ASIS’ Letitia Emeana on diversifying the security cultureWomen's Security SocietyThe Institution of Fire Engineers - Women's Networking GroupThe Women in Health and Safety NetworkIf you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!For more content from IFSEC Global, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
Securing healthcare facilities during a pandemic and beyond
Dec 8 2022
Securing healthcare facilities during a pandemic and beyond
Join us for episode 8 as we discuss securing the healthcare sector. Across the world, hospitals, care homes, mental health facilities and their staff have been under intense pressure over the past few years with the COVID pandemic bringing new challenges into an already stretched environment. Just how did the sector go about protecting staff, patients and the facilities they work and recover in, during this period? And what security challenges does healthcare face now? These are questions we ask Roger Ringham from the National Association of Healthcare Security Professionals (NAHS) and Darren Chalmers Stevens from CriticalArc, in this episode. It's a fascinating chat, covering everything from the issue of the mental health crisis and the impact it has had on security professionals, to protecting pop-up vaccination centres and how technology is coming to the fore to support lone worker protection. Links to talking points:Why the healthcare sector must focus on NHS staff safety and security amid rising workplace violenceThe obstacles to staff safety and wellbeing in the NHSWhy healthcare security managers are keen to fix problems caused by de-regulationThe Video Surveillance Report 2022Find out more about NAHSCampus gun threat: What’s the right response? Darren Chalmers StevensIf you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!For more content from IFSEC Global, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
Understanding school shootings, violence & threat prevention through behavioural psychology
Nov 9 2022
Understanding school shootings, violence & threat prevention through behavioural psychology
Listen to insight from Dr Marisa Randazzo, as we discuss her experiences in the US Secret Service and how it led to a focus on behavioural psychology and violence prevention, specifically related to educational institutions. We explore the research Marisa has carried out on the threat of school shootings, and try to understand whether such incidents can be predicted – and therefore prevented.What Marisa and her team’s research has found, through a mixture of investigate evidence and direct interviews with 10 offenders, makes for fascinating listening. She notes how the patterns are actually similar to those the Secret Service had already uncovered about assassination attempts – now known in the field as a ‘pathway to violence’.As always, we ask Marisa to comment on some of the key trends she’s witnessing in the wider security industry in her role as Executive Director of Threat Management for Ontic, too.Links to talking points:Why the insider threat will motivate cyber and physical teams to collaborate more than ever in 2022, article for IFSEC Global by Dr Marissa RandazzoDr. Marisa Randazzo, Ontic biographyUS Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC)Trigger Points: Inside the Mission to Stop Mass Shootings in America, by Mark FollmanThe Ontic Protective Intelligence PodcastIf you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!For more content from IFSEC Global, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
Improving decision making in high-risk scenarios and the concept of 'Presilience'
Oct 10 2022
Improving decision making in high-risk scenarios and the concept of 'Presilience'
Hear from Dr Gavriel Schneider, CEO of Risk 2 Solution, as he explains 'Presilience' and how security professionals can improve their decision making in high-risk scenarios. Dr Gav provides listeners with a grounding in the difference between resilience and Presilience, a concept he has developed over many years of frontline experience and academic research in the security sector. Why do humans make bad decisions? And, how can security teams integrate risk and resilience to put the emphasis on the individuals managing it themselves? Have a listen to this episode to find out!As always, Dr Gav also gives us his view on some of the key trends in the security sector at present - touching upon the growth of the cyber threat, how to manage integrated risk, and the impact of lockdowns around the world.Links to talking points:The move towards Presilience - Dr Gavriel Schneider & Tony McguirkPresilience info and resourcesThe IFSEC Global Influencers in Security 2022If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague! For more content from IFSEC Global, make sure to check our website:  www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
ONVIF and the benefits of open standards in physical security
Sep 6 2022
ONVIF and the benefits of open standards in physical security
There is little doubt that open standards and interoperability are playing increasingly central roles to modern, integrated physical security systems. But what do we mean by 'open standards'? Have we truly moved away from proprietary solutions? And what genuine benefits does interoperable technology bring to security teams? In this episode of the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast, we get the answers from Leo Levit, Chair of the ONVIF Steering Committee and Director of Systems Integrations at Axis Communications. As an open industry forum that provides and promotes standardised interfaces for effective interoperability of IP-based physical security products, ONVIF's profiles cover everything from access control and door control management, to edge storage, video and analytics applications. So in other words, Leo is perfect guest to discuss this all with! We also touch upon how the security industry has evolved from proprietary-based tech to open standards over the years. And, in the final few minutes, Leo offers his thoughts on the key trends ahead for security professionals.Links to talking points:Latest news and updates regarding ONVIF on IFSEC GlobalWhitepaper: The growth of integrated solutions in the access control sectorFind out more about ONVIFIf you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague! For more content from IFSEC Global, make sure to check our website:  www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
Converged security and the evolving role and risks of IoT
Aug 9 2022
Converged security and the evolving role and risks of IoT
In Episode 4, James Willison & Sarb Sembhi discuss the concept of converged security and why uniting physical and cyber operations is more important than ever. Both are consultants to the IFSEC International Converged Security Centre, and the discussion touches upon a clarification of what we mean by 'converged security', how an operation works in practice, and the benefits of a more collaborative approach. We also explore the duo's involvement in the IoT Security Foundation. CCTV, access control and alarm devices are increasingly connected to the internet and third party applications and software, so Sarb and James explain where physical security professionals can start understanding IoT risks and how to mitigate them. Links to talking points:Watch our interview with James & Sarb at IFSEC International 2022“There’s a hole in the bucket, dear Liza” – IFSEC’s converged security centreIs your home or small business built on secure foundations? Think again…Find out more about the IoT Security FoundationIf you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague! For more content from IFSEC Global, make sure to check our website:  www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
Social media and the insider threat: Presenting new challenges to security teams
Jul 14 2022
Social media and the insider threat: Presenting new challenges to security teams
In our third episode, we zero in on new challenges facing modern security professionals, as Mike Gips, Principal at Global Insights in Professional Security and IFSEC Global influencer, expands on his predictions for the trends ahead in the physical security sector. We chat about how the pandemic has changed the face of the sector, and why it has helped professionals get a ‘seat at the C-suite table’, as organisations recognise the value security personnel and technology can bring. The second half of the episode explores the new challenges physical security professionals face from the growing divisive societal ‘factions’ that social media has helped to cement, to blockchain, to the development of the insider threat as a major disrupter and risk factor in businesses of all sizes. We finish on a fascinating story regarding an ex-US intelligence agent, so keep listening to find out more!Links to talking points:IFSEC Global’s top influencers in security 2022The 2022 State of Physical Access Control ReportGIPS InsightsIFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast hub – all episodes!
Attracting the next generation of security professionals – Secure Futures
Jun 8 2022
Attracting the next generation of security professionals – Secure Futures
In the second episode of the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast, we hear from Paul Barnard, Director and Vice Chair at the Security Institute, as we find out all about a fresh approach to bringing through the next generation of talent in the security sector. The Secure Futures programme, lead by Paul and in collaboration with the EY Foundation, has seen widespread support from the industry since its launch in 2020. It’s an initiative designed to introduce 16-18 year-olds from low income backgrounds to the wide array of opportunities and roles within the physical, personnel and cyber security sectors. We also hear from two graduates who were on the programme, to understand what their experiences were and why they’d encourage others to get involved. Throughout the discussion, we examine the importance of developing the next generation of security leaders, and in particular engaging those from diverse backgrounds that haven’t traditionally entered the sector.Read more about the Secure Futures programme hereRead more about the Security Institute's Next Gen initiatives Read more about the EY Foundation
Diversifying security and developing a professional network
Apr 29 2022
Diversifying security and developing a professional network
We hear from Letitia Emeana about the importance of a diverse industry, and why building a network of security professionals is so important to developing your own skillset. We discuss how ASIS International has been so integral to Letitia's own pathway, as well as the growing requirement for collaboration between physical, cyber and IT security experts.Letitia Emeana has been active in security since 2001 and is the Chair of the ASIS UK Chapter. She qualified with her ASIS PSP in December 2007, IT Governance CISMP 2014 and ASIS CPP in 2017. Letitia is a multi-disciplinary security professional and leader with significant experience in Security Design, Security Technology and Security Implementation. She is currently the Global Security Capability Manager at Unilever and held previous Leadership positions at Tesla, Amazon and Lloyds Banking Group. She is a passionate advocate for Diversity in its broadest sense and was core to the establishment of Women’s Security groups in Amazon, Tesla and Unilever.Read IFSEC Global’s exclusive article write up with Letitia, here.Read more exclusive interviews with security and fire professionals, here.Find out more about the IFSEC Converged Security Centre, mentioned in the podcast, here.Find out about IFSEC International, Europe’s leading physical security event, here.Find out more about ASIS International, here.