Lecture Notes: Hardening a Target and Enhancing Security

Key Concepts

• Target Hardening: Making a target more difficult to penetrate by implementing security measures, such as:
  • Better lighting
  • Alarm systems
  • Locks
• Objective: To deter potential attackers by increasing the difficulty and risk of apprehension during an attack.

Criminal Behavior and Decision-Making

• Criminals prefer easier targets to ensure:
  • Successful crime execution
  • Quick escape
• Attackers often select targets that are perceived as less secure or conscious about security.

Self-Assessment

• Evaluate whether you or your company is a harder target compared to neighboring entities.

Importance of Security Awareness

• Awareness:
  • Involves knowledge, information, and alertness to potential threats.
  • Understanding how previous attacks occurred and prevention strategies.
• Intelligence and Liaison:
  • Coordination with other companies and law enforcement is crucial.

Enhancing Reaction Time

• Through increased security awareness and target hardening, reaction time can be improved.
  • Alertness: Being observant aids in detecting potential threats or attackers.
  • Reaction Time: Gaining extra time to react can allow for successful defense or evacuation.

Summary

• Target Hardening + Awareness + Alertness = Increased Reaction Time
  • This combination enhances the ability to avoid or escape dangerous situations.