Understanding Security: How Ancient Concepts Shape Modern Protection

Did you know that the term “security” traces its origins back to the Latin word “securus” or “secura”? Rooted in “se” (without) and “cura” (worry or care), it embodies a state of freedom from worry or danger. Early Roman authors used “securus” to describe a state where individuals were untroubled by external threats.

How can we attain this level of security on an organizational scale? While achieving complete security may be unattainable, at Rozin Security, we firmly believe in implementing strategies and measures to come as close as possible.

By focusing on avoiding and preventing potential threats rather than solely preparing for a response, we can create a more secure environment that minimizes the likelihood of threats becoming realities.

What’s in Our Control to Avoid an Attack?

The one factor in our control when creating a robust security plan is whether we are perceived as an easy target. An easy target for the adversary is a target that can be reliably accessed, has a predictable routine, and the perpetrator feels like they will not be identified or stopped before they can carry out their attack. This could mean implementing security measures that could affect the perception of being caught and challenge reliable accessibility.

For example, leaving your home and visiting the same coffee shop at the same time each morning may seem like a comforting routine, but it actually increases your vulnerability. This is particularly concerning for high-profile figures or executives in the public eye, who are especially exposed to criminal activities such as burglary, stalking, or even physical attacks.

With an estimated 1.7 million people being victims of stalking in the U.S. alone each year, it has never been more important to create an environment that dissuades adversaries from even attempting an attack. True security lies in our ability to deter, detect, and prevent threats in real time before they materialize. Prevention is possible if we commit to finding these signals instead of focusing on how we respond.

Case Example: Finding the Signals Ahead of an Attack

In 1995. Timothy McVeigh conducted the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history when he conducted the Oklahoma City Bombing. This incredibly tragic act of violence ended in 168 casualties (19 of whom were children), 680 injuries, and destruction of federal property.

While acts of targeted violence may appear random, there are always signals leading up to the event that reveal signs of planning and intention to execute. In this case, the following occurred:

• An accomplice to McVeigh recalled him referencing the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building as an “easy target” for a terrorist attack due to the exposed glass front and U shaped structure, offering easy routes for escape.
• Four months before the bombing, McVeigh conducted pre-attack surveillance by visiting Oklahoma City.
• In 1993, McVeigh had become enraged at the government, particularly over the FBI raid near Waco and showed signals in the following year that he was determined to strike back.

With proper training and systems to track suspicious activity, such as the examples above, it is possible to identify these signals before they amount to anything more.

Effective Methods for Threat Mitigation

Detection mechanisms enable us to identify and avoid threats at their inception. Whether through advanced monitoring systems, analytics, or vigilant human oversight, early detection allows us to intervene before a situation escalates into a response. This often involves implementing layers of security that work together, such as physical barriers, segmentation, access control, and more.

Rozin Security offers clients the SIRA® (Suspicion Indicators Recognition and Assessment) system that incorporates employee training and threat mitigation protocols so employees know how and why it is important to report any suspicious activity they observe. This system could have provided the tools to identify the signals that led to this tragic act on April 19, 1995.

Final Thoughts

Achieving a state of security similar to the ancient Roman concept of “securus” is no easy task, particularly in today’s threat landscape. While complete security may remain a difficult goal, organizations can build resilient security frameworks that safeguard against immediate threats and cultivate a culture of preparedness and resilience.

This proactive approach, coupled with early detection mechanisms, enables us to stay ahead of threats before they result in dangerous or fatal situations. True security lies not in our ability to respond to threats, but in our capacity to anticipate, detect, and prevent them.

Visit Rozin University to enroll in an upcoming SIRA course.