E D I T O R ’ S
L E T T E R
How Much is Enough?
Over the past several months, we have no doubt witnessed some obscene spending on security.
In June, and close to home, the G8/G20 Summit in Huntsville and Toronto, respectively, cost Canadian taxpayers more than $930 million. From the hiring of additional police offi- cers to the use of more than 1,100 private security guards to the purchase of high-powered water cannons by local law enforcement agencies, Toronto was a city on edge as world leaders wined and dined behind miles upon miles of security fencing. At the same time, all eyes were on South Africa and the 2010 FIFA World Cup that saw 32 nations compete for global soccer supremacy. Millions of people flocked to cities like Jo- hannesburg and Cape Town, but not before event organizers spent hundreds of millions of dollars to ensure “The Beautiful Game’s” most watched spectacle went off without a hitch. At first glance — and to the untrained eye — such spending seems unnecessary and excessive, but for those who understand security, the expenditures for both the G8/G20 and FIFA World Cup were relative to the perceived risk by event organizers. Although on a much smaller scale, businesses across Canada can learn a thing or two from the aforementioned examples. By no means, am I advocating every business earmark millions of dollars to security, but I am suggesting that companies take inventory of their valu- ables — data, assets, staff, etc. — and explore the possible risks of those items being stolen, destroyed, lost or accidently given to the wrong person, let alone a competitor. Security is all about perceived risk and only once a business has discovered what they have to lose can they actually come up with an effective security plan and budget. Today’s world is indeed a dangerous place but not every risk or threat impacts every business, which is why understanding risk is at the core of any security strategy.
For some companies, purchasing an off-the-shelf anti-virus program for $49.99 allows them to sleep at night. For others, it is installing the latest IP cameras and most sophisticated alarm system for $999. And for others, it is hiring a team of security specialists to perform penetration testing, vulnerability assessments and disaster recovery planning that allows them to keep their sanity.
Over my 11 years covering the security industry, I have realized that there is no calcu- lation or algorithm a business can use to determine how much their security spend should be. Security is not an exact science. It is an ongoing, always-changing aspect of a business that for some companies can take on a life of its own.
On the other hand, for many businesses, allotting a line on their balance sheet for se- curity is an afterthought — only considered when they have fallen victim to a hacker, thief, disgruntled employee or staff member who didn’t follow the proper security policy and/or procedure. Unfortunately, this is too late.
Security is no doubt a cost centre for every business, but it is also a life saver for every business owner who can’t afford to be awakened at night when something goes bump.
Publisher/Editor Paul Grossinger
paul@securitymattersmag.com
Director, New Business Development Frank Shoniker
Director, Advertising Sales Paul Grossinger
Art Director Mark Tzerelshtein
markintoshdesign.com
Contributors Frank Duffy Lynn Greiner Ian Harvey
Koreen Kimakowich Jack Kohane Brent MacLean Meaghan McCluskey Lance Naismith Theresa Rowsell Bryan Soroka Andrew Wareing
Security Matters provides Canadian businesses with information that helps them secure their staff, assets, facilities and data. It is published six times a year by KAP Publishing Ltd.
The views expressed by the authors are not necessarily those of Security Matters. All editorial submissions are subject to editing. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written consent of KAP Publishing Ltd. The content of this publication is provided for the general guidance and benefit of our readers. While efforts are made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information at the time of publication, errors and omissions may occur.
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Security Matters Paul Grossinger
paul@securitymattersmag.com
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4 SECURITY MATTERS • JULY/AUGUST 2010
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