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On this episode, host Fred Burton interviews Dr. Jeff Moore, a globally recognized hotel threat analyst and creator of the Secure Hotel Threat Portal. Dr. Moore shares insights into global trends in hotel violence, key safety strategies for travelers, and the strategic importance of understanding threat patterns to enhance security measures. From analyzing data on incidents to providing practical advice for corporate security and travelers, Dr. Moore offers a comprehensive exploration of safety in the hotel industry.You'll Learn:The surprising trends and patterns in hotel violence worldwide, including the most affected regions and types of incidentsActionable advice on how to stay safe in hotels, with strategies for choosing rooms, securing doors, and avoiding potential threatsHow the Secure Hotel Threat Portal collects and analyzes thousands of cases to uncover critical insights for creating safer environments in the hotel industrySign up for our newsletter here.
In this episode, Mark Ledlow and Fred Burton, Executive Director of Protection and Intelligence at Ontic and a best-selling author, discuss the surrounding potential threats posed by an open border policy and the presence of terrorist cells. The discussion delves into the analytical evidence of terrorism threats linked to transnational entries, highlighting that no domestic terror acts have been documented as originating from the southern border. The conversation touches on broader security issues, including high-profile plots thwarted in the past, school shootings, and the impact of geopolitical events on domestic safety. They emphasize the importance of analytical rigor and logical decision-making in the security and protective services industry, comparing different attitudes toward personal protection across regions and discussing the implications of various security measures for high-profile individuals.Learn about all this and more in this episode of The Fearless Mindset Podcast.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe importance of proactive surveillance and intelligence gathering in security.Lessons learned from historical security breaches and attack plots.The significance of cultural fit and adaptability in security teams.Challenges faced by security personnel in adjusting to different operational environments.The necessity to constantly update and share intelligence within the security community.The evolving methods of threat actors and their preparedness.Fred Burton's involvement in upcoming TV and film projects based on his books.QUOTES"The scope of detail that some of these threat actors are engaged with is just frightening.""Intelligence is powerful when done correctly.""You can't run a program without intelligence today.""If you've got a good security team, trained in observation skills, you should be able to spot threat actors ahead of time.""Getting people in and out without being hassled is the kind of value add that we routinely do in this business.""It's amazing what you can do if you just try to blend in and ask questions.""Some degree of protection at public venues is essential, especially for controversial issues.""Surveillance is critical before you get the bodies out there. Get that team out there moving around snooping."Get to know more about Fred Burton through the link below.https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefredburton/To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen to major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.
What’s Trending: A dangerous homeless encampment is threatening I-5, Jason reviews, ‘Five Feet Apart,’ and Tom went down to the student Climate Change strike in Seattle. Fred Burton with Stratfor calls in to talk about the attack at the New Zealand Mosque that killed 49 people. Bernie Sanders cuts himself in the shower and a woman at the Climate Change student strike says Trump is militarizing White Supremacists.
The Ontic Summit has grown from a 50-person gathering to hosting over 600 security professionals, and with it, the discussions have evolved exponentially. Join Chuck Randolph, Cindy Marble, and Fred Burton as they reflect on the key takeaways from the 2025 Ontic Summit. Topics include the prioritization of executive protection, the critical need for workplace violence prevention programs, and fostering collaboration across silos in corporate security. Listen in for key takeaways from this year's event.You'll learn:Why executive protection is the backbone of modern corporate security programsThe connection between workplace violence prevention and organizational risk mitigationHow better collaboration between public and private sectors can drive industry-wide progressSave the date and learn more about Ontic Summit 2026 here.Subscribe to our newsletter here.
In this episode, Mark Ledlow and Fred Burton, Executive Director of Protection and Intelligence at Ontic and a best-selling author, discuss the surrounding potential threats posed by an open border policy and the presence of terrorist cells. The discussion delves into the analytical evidence of terrorism threats linked to transnational entries, highlighting that no domestic terror acts have been documented as originating from the southern border. The conversation touches on broader security issues, including high-profile plots thwarted in the past, school shootings, and the impact of geopolitical events on domestic safety. They emphasize the importance of analytical rigor and logical decision-making in the security and protective services industry, comparing different attitudes toward personal protection across regions and discussing the implications of various security measures for high-profile individuals.Learn about all this and more in this episode of The Fearless Mindset Podcast.KEY TAKEAWAYSSecurity Concerns on Open Borders: Despite the high number of migrants, there has not been a domestic act of terror directly linked to transnational terrorists from the southern border.Domestic vs. Geopolitical Threats: Domestic threats such as school shootings are more frequent and concerning compared to geopolitical and international threats.Historical Predictive Failures: The U.S. has historically struggled to predict major geopolitical events, regardless of advancements in intelligence.Adaptation and Responsiveness: The executive protection industry often operates reactively, highlighting the need for better proactive measures and adequate resourcing.Regional Differences in Security Perception: Security needs and perceptions differ greatly across the U.S., with coastal regions being more open to private security compared to more self-reliant attitudes in middle America.QUOTES"To the best of my knowledge, there never has been a domestic act of terror directly linked to a transnational terrorist coming from the southern border.""Trust me, you'll be the first one to know if I uncover something that you really need to be concerned about for you or your family.""Our nation seems to always be surprised... I want to believe that we're better today at anticipating surprise, but history has shown we're not.""Most CEOs today are almost more receptive to that kind of low-key protection."Get to know more about Fred Burton through the link below.https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefredburton/To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen to major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.
Fred Burton sits down with Frank Cannon, a seasoned security professional and renowned academic, to explore the importance of fostering a culture of behavioral-based security awareness. Frank shares actionable insights on how to move beyond the "tick-the-box" approach to create a security-first mindset that aligns with both physical and digital safety. Tune in to hear why security isn't just a task, but a behavior embedded in every aspect of organizational life.You'll learn:How to embed a proactive security culture across physical and digital domainsPractical steps to shift from compliance-focused security to meaningful employee engagementUniversal principles for behavioral-based security in corporate and personal settingsSign up for our monthly newsletter here.
In this episode, Mark Ledlow is joined by Fred Burton, Executive Director of Protection and Intelligence at Ontic and a best-selling author. They discuss the evolving threat landscape under the new U.S. administration, the impact of social media on security, and the importance of protective intelligence. Learn about the dynamic changes in the security industry and discover how businesses can prepare for the next four years. Don't miss this fascinating conversation with one of the industry's leading experts.Learn about all this and more in this episode of The Fearless Mindset Podcast.KEY TAKEAWAYSGuest Introduction: Fred Burton, Executive Director of Protection of Intelligence at Ontic, a bestselling author with extensive experience in the intelligence space.Fred's Admiration for Mark: High respect for Fred Burton who introduces key figures such as Jack.Importance of Adaptability in Security: Security programs need to be tailored to the clients' needs and cultures; no one-size-fits-all approach.Evolving Threat Landscape: Historical context of the threat landscape and its evolution, noting present challenges like social media and insider threats.Focus on Protective Intelligence: Emphasis on the importance of protective intelligence in assessing and mitigating threats; the balance of general awareness and specific threat signals.Community Building: The importance of a supportive community and the role Ontic plays in fostering thought leadership in the security industry.QUOTES"There's never really one model that fits all when it comes to security programs.""The threat landscape today is so dynamic and so fluid.""The 24/7 social media platforms provide an endless and constant stream of adverse intelligence signals.""It's our job in this space to put together a security package to allow you to do whatever it is that you would like to do within reason.""The challenge is there's so much noise that protective intelligence analysts almost get paralyzed because they don't know what signals to capture.""You need to have general awareness collection but then also have to capture those adverse intelligence signals that directly impact your unique protective mission."Get to know more about Fred Burton through the link below.https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefredburton/2To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen to major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.
How do you prepare for both the expected and the unexpected in corporate security? Join Chuck Randolph, Cindy Marble, and Fred Burton in this roundtable discussion as they explore risk management strategies for natural disasters, critical incidents, and rising threats in 2025. This conversation is packed with insights to help you enhance preparedness, ensure safety, and maintain balance without drifting into paranoia. What you'll learn: Why weather and natural disasters should be key components of your threat assessmentsHow to foster vigilance without creating a culture of fear in your organizationThe importance of Connected Intelligence and collaboration in modern security strategiesLearn more in Ontic Resources.
This month, we head to the tropics and meet the Blue Iguana of the Cayman Islands! This endangered lizard is found nowhere else on the globe save for the island of Grand Cayman in the Caribbean, and just two decades ago, it's likely there were fewer than 25 animals remaining in the wild. This was a species that was functionally extinct, but thanks to the herculean efforts of a dedicated group of people, the Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi) has been brought back from the brink, with over 1000 iguanas now roaming the dry, rocky forests of Grand Cayman. In July of 2024 Bill traveled there to interview Fred Burton, the man many people credit as the main driver behind the effort to save this endemic species.This episode was recorded on July 25, 2024 at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, North Side, Grand CaymanEpisode Notes and LinksFind ourt more about conservation of the Blue Iguana by visiting the National Trust for the Cayman Islands.If you want to support efforts to help the Blue Iguana, you can donate here.Check out Fred's book, The Little Blue Book: A Short History of the Grand Cayman Blue IguanaIf you ever find yourself in Grand Cayman, we can't recommend enough that you visit the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, home to the Blue Iguana captive breeding program.Sponsors and Ways to Support UsGumleaf Boots, USA (free shipping for patrons)Thank you to Always Wandering Art (Website and Etsy Shop) for providing the artwork for this episode.Support us on Patreon.Check out the Field Guides merch at our Teespring store. It's really a great deal: you get to pay us to turn your body into a billboard for the podcast!Works CitedBurton, F.J., 2004. Battling extinction: A view forward for the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi). Iguana, 11(4), pp.232-237.Burton, F.J., 2005. Restoring a new wild population of Blue Iguanas (Cyclura lewisi) in the Salina Reserve, Grand Cayman. Iguana, 12(3), pp.166-174.Burton, F.J., 2011. Population restoration for a critically endangered reptile—the Grand Cayman blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi). Reptiles Australasia, 1, pp.35-44.Chan, N., Shen, Z., Mannion, A., Kurnick, S., Popescu, I.S., Burton, F.J., Calle, P.P. and Fox, J.G., 2021. Helicobacter cyclurae sp. nov., isolated from endangered blue iguanas (Cyclura lewisi). Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 9, p.676682.
The Thought Leader Revolution Podcast | 10X Your Impact, Your Income & Your Influence
“You do have to set your goals. And I found that over time, anybody who has set a goal usually will reach it. I'm not saying it's going to be easy. But most people do reach those goals.”Counterterrorism isn't just the stuff of spy novels—it's a masterclass in thinking fast, adapting faster, and staying cool when everything's on fire (sometimes literally). This episode unpacks the high-stakes world of counterterrorism operations and draws surprisingly practical lessons for navigating the chaos of entrepreneurship. If you've ever wondered what hostage negotiations and scaling a business have in common, this one's for you.Our guest delivers jaw-dropping stories from his time as a State Department counterterrorism agent, including moments of brilliance, catastrophic missteps, and everything in between. He breaks down how making decisions under pressure, owning your failures, and building strong, adaptable teams are critical—whether you're chasing terrorists or chasing quarterly goals. Spoiler alert: it's all about playing the long game and knowing when to pivot.Fred Burton is a former State Department special agent, bestselling author, and all-around expert in counterterrorism and crisis management. His books, Beirut Rules, Ghost, and Chasing Shadows, offer unmatched insights into the complexities of global security and leadership under fire. When he's not sharing his wisdom, he's probably plotting the next page-turner that'll keep you up all night.Expert action steps:1. Stay OptimisticRemember that no matter how challenging the situation, tomorrow is a new day with new opportunities.2. Set Clear GoalsEstablish meaningful objectives and stay committed to them. While the journey may be difficult, persistence often leads to success.3. Support OthersOffer encouragement and advice to those who may need it. Helping others can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth.Learn more and connect:You can find information about Fred's books, upcoming events, latest news, and contact details on his official website: https://www.officialfredburton.com/.1. Beirut Rules by Fred Burtonhttps://a.co/d/cFt9K272. Ghost by Fred Burtonhttps://a.co/d/9odzHGj3. Chasing Shadows by Fred Burtonhttps://a.co/d/a38m8e34. Area 51 by Annie Jacobsenhttps://www.amazon.com/Area-51-Uncensored-Americas-Mystery/dp/0316132942Visit eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.
Fred Burton speaks with Robin Welch-Stearns about understanding the true extent of insider risk for modern corporate security teams. Robin shares her insights from her time at the CIA and Google, highlighting the differences between insider risk in public and private sectors. She discusses the importance of creating a comprehensive approach to managing insider threats by understanding the motivations behind them, using data analytics, and fostering collaboration between cybersecurity and physical security teams. You'll learn: Differences in insider risks between public and private sectors, and common forms these risks take within organizations Strategies and frameworks for detecting and preventing insider threats, emphasizing data analytics and employee training Psychological factors and motivations behind insider threats, and the opportunities and challenges AI presents in managing these risks Learn more about Ontic's Incidents, Investigations, and Case Management.
In this episode, Manish Mehta, Ontic's Chief Product Officer, sits down with hosts Chuck Randolph and Fred Burton to discuss the evolution of security and the importance of Connected Intelligence in modern protective practices. Manish also shares his insights on technological disruptions and how they shape industries beyond just security. The conversation touches on the challenges of organizational silos and the potential for GSOCs (Global Security Operations Centers) to become central to modernization.Sign up for our monthly newsletter.What you'll learn:The evolution of security from Protective Intelligence to Connected IntelligenceThe impact of technological disruptions on various industries, including securityThe role of GSOCs in overcoming organizational silos and driving modernization
Join host Fred Burton and former Navy SEAL and New York Times Bestselling Author, Jack Carr, as they discuss pivotal moments in military history and their implications on modern-day operations. In this episode, Jack shares insights from his new book, Targeted Beirut, focusing on the 1983 attacks in Beirut and their lasting impact. Don't miss this in-depth conversation with one of the most knowledgeable voices in military history and fiction.Tune in as Jack shares:The challenges of acquiring photo permissions for nonfiction booksThe personal stories behind the 1983 Beirut bombings and their rescue effortsLessons learned from historical military engagements and their application todayRelated Resources: Jack Carr's WebsiteTargeted BeirutHave a question for our hosts? Or want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here.
Fred Burton interviews Dr. Matthew Levitt, a renowned expert in counterterrorism and intelligence. Dr. Levitt shares insights from his extensive career, including his work with the FBI, his time at the U.S. Department of Treasury, and his current role at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. They discuss the development of interactive mapping tools that track Iranian external operations and how these tools can aid security teams in protecting their organizations.Tune in to hear:Dr. Matthew Levitt's background and experience in counterterrorism and intelligenceThe creation and use of interactive mapping tools for tracking Iranian external operationsInsights into the different types of Iranian plots and their implications for global securityResources mentioned in the episode: Iranian external operations interactive mapLaunch event for the Iran operations mapHezbollah bookHamas bookHezbollah podcast (Breaking Hezbollah's Golden Rule)Hezbollah interactive mapMore on Matthew LevittHave a question for our hosts? Or want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co. For more information, check out Ontic Resources.
Fred Burton is a former counterterrorism expert with decades of experience working for the U.S. State Department's Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). He led high-profile investigations into terrorist attacks and was instrumental in tracking down some of the world's most dangerous figures, including Hezbollah's elusive assassin known as The Ghost. With deep expertise in intelligence and counterterrorism, Fred has contributed to numerous covert operations that shaped U.S. foreign policy. Today, he serves as a senior executive at Stratfor, a global intelligence company, where he continues to analyze threats and train the next generation of security professionals. #cia #story #podcast 00:00 Intro - "Ghost of Beirut" 00:41 CIA Assassination in Washington, D.C 5:54 Beirut & Start of War on Terror 13:39 Like & Subscribe 14:23 Washington Recognizing Terrorism 23:36 Build up 9/11 32:40 CIA/FBI Stopping Terror Attacks 38:44 Trump Assassination Attempt 56:15 Israel-Hamas War 1:11:40 Iran Nuclear Weapons 1:31:09 Escalation of Ukraine-Russia War 1:34:48 CIA Agent Bill Buckley 1:46:45 Catching Assassins for Terror Groups 1:53:41 Ghost of Beirut 2:09:03 Mexican Cartles & US Border 2:29:10 Did We Forget 9/11 2:33:41 Americans Biggest Threat 2:34:00 Outro
Join us in a conversation with Don Bentley, a New York Times bestselling author famous for his work in the Matt Drake, Tom Clancy Jack Ryan Jr., and Vince Flynn Mitch Rapp series. Don shares his unique experiences from being an Army Apache helicopter pilot to an FBI special agent and how these adventures contributed to his writing. Discover how Don approaches writing in iconic universes and hear about his latest projects.Tune in to his conversation with Fred Burton to:Understand Don's approach to taking over legacy characters like Mitch Rapp and Jack Ryan Jr.Learn how Don's military and law enforcement background has influenced his storytelling.Get a sneak peek into Don's latest works and what fans can expect next.Related Resources: Don Bentley's websiteCapture or Kill: A Mitch Rapp NovelHave a question for our hosts? Or want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.
In this episode, Fred Burton speaks with Dr. Louis Sage-Passant, Global Head of Intelligence at Novo Nordisk, about his new book, Beyond States and Spies. Louis shares insights from his career in military intelligence, private sector intelligence, and his extensive research into the history and ethics of intelligence operations. Tune in to discover how private sector intelligence has evolved and the surprising historical precedents that challenge conventional views.Tune in to hear them discuss:The evolution and significance of private sector intelligence.Key historical milestones in intelligence, including the role of Lloyd's of London.The importance of transparency and cooperation in modern intelligence operations.Relevant resources:Preorder Beyond States and Spies hereHave a question for our hosts? Or want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.
From January 8, 2021: The storming of the Capitol on Wednesday was a catastrophic failure of protective law enforcement, as rioters overran Capitol Police barricades and gained access to a building that a lot of police were supposed to be protecting. How did it happen? Who screwed up? And what can be done about it? Benjamin Wittes sat down with Fred Burton, the executive director of the Center for Protective Intelligence at Ontic and a former protective officer; Garrett Graff, a journalist who covers federal law enforcement and who wrote a book about continuity in government; and Lawfare's executive editor Susan Hennessey. They talked about how bad the failure was on the part of the Capitol Police, who is responsible for it, what can be done now to bring the perpetrators to justice and how we should think about changing security protocols on Capitol Hill going forward.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/c/trumptrials.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of The CCI Debrief, hosts Chuck Randolph and Fred Burton are joined by Ontic's Senior Director of Threat Assessment Management Operations, Cynthia Marble. They discuss the current political violence landscape as the US elections approach, examine the implementation of California's new workplace violence prevention law (SB 553), and share their expectations for the upcoming GSX conference. They provide valuable insights on how organizations can prepare for potential threats, emphasize the importance of workplace violence prevention, and highlight key trends and technologies to watch at GSX.Tune in as they discuss:Strategies to mitigate political violence risks in light of upcoming elections.The role of security in implementing California's SB 553 workplace violence prevention law.Anticipated innovations and key trends at the upcoming GSX conference.Related Resources:5 Things California Employers Should Consider to Comply with Senate Bill 553Following California's New Workplace Violence Laws Is Good for All BusinessesHow To Comply With California Senate Bill 553Meet with Ontic at GSXLearn more in Ontic Resources. Want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.
In this episode, we sit down with Adrienne Galbrecht, Ontic's Team Lead for Strategic Intelligence Services, to explore how her extensive background in law enforcement gives her a unique edge in the private sector. Adrienne shares insights from her decade-long experience as a crime and intelligence analyst, discussing the evolution of the intelligence cycle with advancements in technology and data analytics. We also address intriguing comments from LinkedIn on the non-linear nature of the intelligence process and the continuous role of data collection and analysis. Adrienne elaborates on the importance of recognizing biases and cognitive limitations while working through the intelligence cycle. Tune into to hear Fred Burton's discussion with Adrienne Galbrecht to hear: Her thoughts on future trends in intelligence and the potential impact of AI on the security field. How her experiences in law enforcement inform her approach to intelligence in the corporate world.The critical need for analysts to be aware of their cognitive biases and limitations, offering strategies for overcoming these challenges. Related Resources: Intelligence Cycle in ActionEnhancing the Intelligence Cycle: How to Leverage Feedback to Provide More Valuable IntelligenceThe Guide to Establishing an Intelligence BaselineLearn more in Ontic Resources. Want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.
Fred Burton sits down with Brad Thor, a #1 New York Times bestselling author of 24 thrilling novels. Known for his innovative plots and deep insights into intelligence and special operations, Brad shares his thoughts on terrorism, current events, and how his fiction parallels real-world threats. In this episode, Brad discusses his latest novel, Shadow of Doubt, what inspired the plot, the evolution of the novel's protagonist, and more. Tune in as host Fred Burton and Brad Thor discuss:The inspiration behind Shadow of Doubt and its connections to real-world events.Brad's meticulous research process, including how he integrates cutting-edge technologies and geopolitical insights into his novels.The significance of NATO and historical espionage events in crafting his latest plot.Related Resources: BradThor.comShadow of Doubt
Retired State Department Diplomatic Security agent and official Fred Burton talks about Iran's long history of attacking Americans and it's capabilities. He discusses details of security lapses at the Trump rally and changes that need to be made. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Retired State Department Diplomatic Security agent and official Fred Burton talks about Iran's long history of attacking Americans and it's capabilities. He discusses details of security lapses at the Trump rally and changes that need to be made. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode, Fred Burton sits down with combat historian, bestselling author, and public speaker Patrick K. O'Donnell. With 13 critically acclaimed books to his name, O'Donnell has chronicled America's wars from the Revolution to Iraq, sharing epic stories of bravery and sacrifice. A Fellow at Mount Vernon and a recipient of numerous national book awards, O'Donnell offers unparalleled insight into elite and special operations units and irregular warfare. We'll explore his latest work, The Unvanquished, and discuss whether he anticipated the success of his prolific writing career. Aspiring authors and protectors will also gain valuable advice on how to pen their first book. Tune in for an engaging conversation with one of America's foremost military historians! Tune into Fred Burton's conversation with O'Donnell to hear: The behind-the-scenes research and discovery process for The Unvanquished.O'Donnell's journey from a passionate historian to a bestselling author.Expert tips and advice for aspiring authors on writing and publishing their first book.Related Resources:Connect with Patrick on XPatrick O'Donnell Official WebsiteThe Unvanquished
Fred Burton is joined by Jesse Leeds, the Global Head of Security and Crisis Management for Match Group, the parent company of popular dating platforms like Tinder, Hinge, OKCupid, and Plenty of Fish. With a career spanning roles at the CIA, FBI, and Bogaard Group International, Jesse brings a wealth of experience in security and crisis management. Listen as Jesse shares his journey from the public to the private sector, discusses the biggest challenges in transitioning between these worlds, and offers invaluable advice for those looking to set up a Global Security Operations Center (GSOC). Fred and Jesse dive into the metrics that matter for measuring the success of GSOCs, evolving duties of care in a post-pandemic world, and strategies for future-proofing security operations. Tune in for expert advice on navigating the fast-moving threat landscape and what the future holds for GSOCs. Don't miss this in-depth conversation packed with expertise in security and crisis management. Listen to Fred Burton's conversation with Jesse to hear about: Building alignment with leadership on requirements and technology for standing up a GSOCThe essential metrics for assessing the effectiveness of a GSOC Evolving security challenges in the post-pandemic era and Jesse's strategies for anticipating and mitigating emerging threatsRelated Resources:[Article] The Surprising Supporter Behind the Push to Modernize GSOCs: The C-Suite[On-Demand Webinar] Field Tested: Strengthening Your GSOC With an Intelligence-Driven ApproachWant to learn more about GSOCs? Take a look at Ontic Resources.Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.
The team breaks tradition in this month's Shop Talk and welcomes an exceptional visitor. Former CiCP guest, bestselling author, and former US State Department Special Agent Fred Burton, who also served as the Chief of Counterterrorism and Assistant Director for Intelligence and Counterterrorism at the Texas Department of Public Safety and former Chief Security Officer, joins the team for a dynamic discussion. Gathered around the digital campfire, the team discusses: The current heightened state of alert at US facilities across EuropeUSoming Olympics, Para Olympics, and the Eurocup The complex operating environment in Mexico Where is the Wagner Group, one year after their "mutiny" attempt Chiquita Brands Columbian woes Stage Jumpers And more... Send us your thoughts at protectiontalk@outlook.com and join the conversation
John R. Bruning is the author or collaborating writer of over 22 books such as the national bestseller Indestructible, Outlaw Platoon written with Sean Parnell, Shadow of the Sword with Jeremiah Workman, How to Break a Terrorist with Matthew Alexander, House to House with David Bellavia, The Devil's Sandbox, and Ghost: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent with Fred Burton. The interview is about his upcoming book “53 days on starvation island: the world war II battle that saved marine corps Aviation”. It is the pivotal true story of the first 53 days of the standoff between Imperial Japanese and a handful of Marine aviators defending the Americans dug in at Guadalcanal.
In this thought-provoking episode, Fred Burton is joined by the distinguished author Annie Jacobsen. Jacobsen's works, including the Pulitzer Prize finalist The Pentagon's Brain and the New York Times bestsellers Nuclear War, Area 51, and Operation Paperclip, have shed light on some of the most secretive aspects of national security and warfare.Annie, a celebrated investigative journalist and a Princeton University alumna, sits down with Fred to discuss her latest bestseller, Nuclear War. This book dives into the chilling details of nuclear warfare's catastrophic effects, aiming to highlight the importance of prevention over preparation. Don't miss this riveting dialogue that goes beyond the pages of Annie's book to address the critical need for contingency planning, the implications for North America and beyond, and the pivotal choices facing global powers today.Tune in to Annie's conversation with Fred Burton as they:Reflect on the importance of national security in the context of nuclear warfare and discuss contingency planning for nuclear eventsDive into critical conversations on how nations have historically managed the threat of nuclear war through deterrence strategies and ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weaponsExplore the stark realities and potential aftermath of nuclear conflict across various countries and share the immediate and long-term impacts on human life, the environment, and global politicsFor more thought leadership on this topic and advice for security teams, take a look at the Ontic Center for Connected Intelligence and Ontic Resources.
John R. Bruning is the author or collaborating writer of over 22 books such as the national bestseller Indestructible, Outlaw Platoon written with Sean Parnell, Shadow of the Sword with Jeremiah Workman, How to Break a Terrorist with Matthew Alexander, House to House with David Bellavia, The Devil's Sandbox, and Ghost: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent with Fred Burton. The interview is about his upcoming book “53 days on starvation island: the world war II battle that saved marine corps Aviation”. It is the pivotal true story of the first 53 days of the standoff between Imperial Japanese and a handful of Marine aviators defending the Americans dug in at Guadalcanal. I can't recommend this book enough to Guadalcanal lovers out there. The book covers the plight of the aviators on Guadalcanal. It tells the stories of the men, their hardship and endurance, it's really awe inspiring. His book comes out on May 14th, so please show some love and give it a look.
In this episode, Fred Burton interviews Tim Kirkham, Senior Director and Global Head of Investigations and Insider Risk Management at Dell Technologies. With a distinguished career transitioning from over 29 years in law enforcement, including two decades as a Special Agent in the FBI, to spearheading Dell's global security strategy, Tim's expertise offers invaluable wisdom. Through his leadership, Dell navigates over 6000 investigations annually, safeguarding against fraud, insider threats, and more, securing its competitive edge.Tim's remarkable shift from a seasoned FBI Special Agent to a pioneer of Dell's security strategy demonstrates the power of leveraging extensive law enforcement experience within the corporate sector. Whether you're a business leader or an aspiring investigator, this episode is a must-listen, offering a roadmap to innovative, comprehensive risk management strategies in the digital age.Tune in to his conversation with Fred Burton to hear: Optimal leadership practices in corporate investigations and strategies for integrating these approaches into your security program.The evolution of insider threat investigations and his forward-looking perspective on the emerging threats and opportunities in the insider risk landscape for 2024 and beyond.The pivotal role of effective communication and the strategic importance of starting small in the development of insider threat programs.For more information on combatting insider threats, take a look at Ontic Resources.
Fred Burton had the honor of sitting down with Bob Oatman, a well-respected figure in the executive protection industry. Oatman, the president of RL Oatman & Associates, shares his remarkable journey to becoming a major in the criminal investigation division and ultimately retiring early to start an illustrious career in executive protection. He reflects on his decision to leave the police department after two decades and his journey into the private sector of protection.From running dignitary and executive protection teams in the police department to pioneering strategies in the private sector, Bob shares insights on the changes he's witnessed and offers foresight on the future of protection. He also opens up about his role as an author—or more accurately, the creative force behind four influential books on executive protection. This episode highlights the blend of adaptability, expertise, and vision required to excel in this demanding field.Tune in to his conversation with Fred Burton to hear:The transformative journey from law enforcement to the private sector of executive protection, detailing the challenges and opportunities encountered during this transition.The evolution and future of executive protection, including strategic innovations and the impact of technological advancements in the field.Bob's contribution to the domain through authorship, focusing on how his real-world experiences and insights have been distilled into four influential books on executive protection.
The act of Swatting has been around for years (back in the early 2000s), but an increase in the frequency of calls that are happening and the proliferation of different targets has placed it under the spotlight in recent months. Swatting is the act of placing a hoax call to emergency services with the intention of triggering a swift and intense response. This malicious practice has been increasingly directed towards prominent figures such as politicians, judges, and celebrities. Scott Stewart, Vice President at TorchStone Global, sheds light on why we are seeing more of these events in the headlines and what protection teams can do to prevent them from happening. Stewart brings 35 years of analytical, investigative, and security experience, including being a member of Michael Dell's executive protection team and serving ten years as a special agent with the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service. Stewart is a popular speaker on security topics and is frequently interviewed by journalists from leading news outlets, including the New York Times, CNN, Fox News, and NPR.Key topics of Stewart's discussion with host Fred Burton include:How a swatting event can occur, and what the social media conundrum has to do with it. (hint: It doesn't happen out of the blue.)Advice for protection teams on mitigating this type of threat and what to look for in terms of early warning signs.Why it's critical to have strong relationships with authorities at all levels and have an open dialogue so authorities can put context around any calls coming in that target a VIP.For more information, check out Torchstone Global's article on the topic: Preparing for the Next Swatting Attack Key takeaways:03:25: Scott Stewart: Having a good liaison at all levels - state, local, and federal level is critical because you want to have those connections ahead of an event. Obviously, it's much more difficult to make connections in the midst of ah you know of an emergency. So if you give them a little bit of advanced notice — we've got some aggrieved people that are focused on us, or they've doxed us, etc. — it can really help them place the call into context. 10:33: Fred: So if you're that protection team out there with responsibility for the executive crew, you have to make sure that you have a good finger on the pulse.10:42: Scott Stewart: I mean let's face you you need to have that no matter what threat actor we're talking about — unstable individuals, stalkers, activists, terrorists, criminals. You know we always need to remain alert to all these various threat actors and this is just one more to throw in the hopper. The good news is it is something that can be foreseen as we follow these grievances, and watch their communications. We see things like doxing denunciation. That allows us to see the progression along the Social Media Threat Continuum. We talk about things like the pathway to violence or the attack cycle, looking at the Social Media Threat Continuum then just gives us a guide that helps us understand where we were where we are in relation to these threat actors.
The assassination of a Hamas leader in Beirut and a terror attack in Iran have triggered fears of an explosion of attacks throughout the region. Dr. Hans-Jakob Schindler, Sr. Director at the Counter-Extremism Project says the attack in Iran is unprecedented. Fred Burton, Executive Director of Protective Intelligence at Ontic says the killing of Saleh Arouri could lead to a wave of retaliation, directed at Israel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The assassination of a Hamas leader in Beirut and a terror attack in Iran have triggered fears of an explosion of attacks throughout the region. Dr. Hans-Jakob Schindler, Sr. Director at the Counter-Extremism Project says the attack in Iran is unprecedented. Fred Burton, Executive Director of Protective Intelligence at Ontic says the killing of Saleh Arouri could lead to a wave of retaliation, directed at Israel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It comes as no surprise that the standards and terminology in the security profession vary depending on where you are in the world. However, when you work for a company that operates in 74 countries, keeping track of these nuances is vital to efficiently addressing threats and quickly arriving at a solution.Bruce Mills is the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Hyatt Corporation. In his role, he oversees over 160,000 associates and nearly 1,400 hotels and resorts in 74 countries. Mills is responsible for all security and life safety programs and initiatives, including physical and technical security, emergency preparedness and crisis management, travel safety and internal investigations, and brand protection activities. Before moving to the private sector, he spent nearly 25 years with the Diplomatic Security Service, attaining the rank of Special Agent-in-Charge serving all over the world.Key topics of Mills' discussion with host Fred Burton include:The cultural differences in security — you can have global standards for a company's security program but there are always cultural nuances.How to manage a security presence when the doors are always open.Communicating with leadership when you have multiple bosses, and the importance of identifying risk and providing steps to mitigate it.The role of technology in the success of his role in the business and how standardization across locations is essential to staying ahead of threats.Key takeaways:04:50: Fred: How has your sector evolved from a security perspective over the last say five years or so?04:58: Bruce Mills: In the hospitality sector it's a little bit different from the defense sector or even the government sector and even in certain commercial enterprises you you build a hardened presence. You build very strong concentric rings of security and you try to keep people out and to keep people safe. In hospitality think about it this way — we never close our doors or we certainly don't lock our doors. We are an open, welcoming environment. So it poses a whole series of concerns.You'd be surprised at how we've incorporated some of the physical securities pieces into the hospitality industry. You might not see it but behind the scenes, you'll have X-ray machines and explosive itemizers and different environmental factors to control vehicles. You need to monitor delivery people and separate them from employees versus visitors and so on. So a lot of similar mitigations but doing so in a more of an open environment. It's a very difficult work environment because you just literally have to keep the front door open.10:31: Fred: Bruce, how have you found success in proving the business value of your security program to your 1,600 bosses in this case or to your c-suite? 10:46: Bruce Mills: I oftentimes will remind my leadership why I'm here. Our model at Hyatt is that we have safety and security at the forefront of our mission and so I remind our leadership that it's important to walk the walk not just talk to talk. I explain that these elements and actions can incrementally make our guests and colleagues safer and our properties more secure. It's in our best interest and safety and security have to be a core component of how we do business. Hyatt has had a longstanding culture in which safety is critically important and woven into the business. So I'm carrying that flag and continuing the effort.
The topic of mental health in the security profession has been pushed aside for decades, but with the emergence of open-minded and forward-thinking younger generations, this crucial topic is increasingly finding its place in the spotlight. Not only is it important to take care of others to build a positive, empathic culture, but it also can decrease turnover and reduce costs to the business, having a positive effect on how assets are protected.John Rodriguez is an expert on this topic and brings 41+ years of pure corporate security experience working for major corporations including General Motors, Kimberly-Clark, Levi Strauss & Co., and Cardinal Health. He is the founder of Empathic Security Cultures, LLC, based in Austin, Texas. Rodriguez is a security generalist with a passion for security culture development, coaching, and mental health for a psychologically safe workplace and mitigating hostile environment risks. Key topics of Rodriguez's discussion with host Fred Burton include:Insights on how the mental health needs of security practitioners (and employees as a whole) have evolved since the pandemicWhy connecting with people and building a culture of empathy is strongly tied to turnover and the success of a business.Advice for teams on building a successful security culture within an organization.
When a company experiences such immense growth that the name becomes synonymous with video conferencing, the importance of security measures increases accordingly. Nathan Mills joins the podcast to discuss the risks that come along with protecting people and assets for one of the most visible, evolving companies in the world.As an Electrical Engineer with an MS in Strategic Intelligence and Project Management credentials, Mills spent the past 20 years developing, implementing, managing, and innovating enterprise risk management frameworks. He has extensive international experience as a Foreign Service Officer (Security Engineering Officer) in the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security and as the Director of Security Risk and Crisis Management at General Electric before his current role of Head of Global Security (CSO - Physical) at Zoom. Key topics of Mills' discussion with host Fred Burton include:Why the risk profile of a dynamic, highly visible product differs from a company with a more established line of business.How Mills structures his security program and the strategies he leverages to be more efficient.Advice for security teams who lead operations on a global scale and the top three things they should focus on.Key takeaways:08:29: Fred: You're working in an industry and a company that has become almost like the word Google. And you think of the success over the pandemic and how you provide such a vital business continuity resource to the private sector.09:00: Nathan Mills: Completely. Yeah, it's it's very interesting to work for a company that has become a verb and there's a lot of unique risks that come with that. In regards to the growth stage of an IPO and being new and having a lot of attention, that risk profile is very different than the ‘okay now you're established.' You've been built people are using your products you have a market. Now you're in different places in the world. Now you have people traveling a lot more and now you have an expanding portfolio of products. How does the physical security element come into play and help educate the executives and other people who are maybe not familiar with a mature physical security organization? 13:29: Fred: What advice do you have for security teams who lead operations on a global scale?14:12: Nathan Mills: One of the things that I've learned is how do you do more with less and I think that's obviously a tired cliche, but leveraging the relationships is something that I think a lot of practitioners might overlook. The ability for me to get it in front of the right people at the right time to be able to influence change is the hardest part about it. So as I was building the program the one thing I constantly talked about with my team was building relationships with intentionality knowing who your stakeholders are within our groups and reaching out to them to build a cadence and learn more about them.
Unfortunately in today's threat landscape, a Google search - even a few pages deep - won't capture nearly enough information to grasp the risk a company faces. That's why Welton Chang, Co-Founder and CEO of Pyrra Technologies, set it upon himself to go after the content on fringe sites because of the threats that continue to emerge out of these nearly unmoderated social conversations.Pyrra Technologies is a threat intelligence company that scans unmoderated social media with AI. Most recently Chang was the first Chief Technology Officer at Human Rights First and founded HRF's Innovation Lab. Prior to joining HRF, he was a senior researcher at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory where he led teams and developed technical solutions to address disinformation and online propaganda. Key topics of Chang's discussion with host Fred Burton include:Inspiration behind developing Pyrra Technologies and his research on disinformation and online propaganda. Challenges emerging from generative AI that corporate security will face in 2024 Advice for corporate security on confronting the lack of trust their audience faces due to the uptick in generative AI online
Choosing office facilities involves far more than evaluating rent and location. In the current landscape of seemingly escalating workplace violence, prioritizing workplace safety has never been more important. Security teams play a pivotal role in shaping the work environment, strategically implementing security measures that align with the layout and available resources in each office location.Amanda Mason is currently serving as the Vice President of Intelligence for Related Companies, the largest privately held real estate company in the US. She joins this episode to share why security plays such an influential role in real estate decisions. Mason's role is to integrate information from various sources and bridge the gap between cyber threats, national security, local law enforcement, physical security, and business intelligence. She provides threat information and solutions to the various subsidiaries under Related Companies, which include Real Estate, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Hospitality, and International Finance. Key topics of Mason's discussion with host Fred Burton include:Her transition from serving in the National Guard into the private sector, and the skills honed during her military tenure that have been instrumental in her success.The importance of learning how to ‘sell security' and its role in shaping national security decisions.Security's role in influencing decisions around office locations.Advice for corporate security teams when partnering with real estate or corporate leaders in managing and selecting office space.Key takeaways:14:00: Fred: How do you see securities' role in influencing decisions around office locations?14:11: Amanda Mason: There definitely is a very strong role for security operations regarding the selection of locations and office bases. Threats of Workplace violence weigh on people's minds because nowadays companies are really being held responsible for the safety and security of their employees. Security really has a huge role in what the facility looks like and what are the security measures. Companies want to help minimize their risk and their exposure because the costs are very high for these types of criminal incidents to occur at or near their property.15:34: Fred: Amanda what advice do you have for corporate security teams when partnering with real estate or corporate leaders in managing and selecting office space?15:52 Amanda Mason: The first thing is — is there a security team there on hand, or do you need to bring in more resources? What are their resources and their procedures? Do you have an op center? How do you relay information back to the company as a tenant? How are you sharing information? What's the relation
Leading an insider threat program at a Fortune 100 company takes a certain skill set that can't be molded into a single program or training certification. It takes a combination of capabilities and motivations to detect risk in some of the most challenging, unassuming places.Dave Holder is a senior analyst with Ford Motor Company where he helps lead their insider risk program. He is a decorated former counterintelligence officer with expertise in national security investigations and operations, as well as corporate workforce investigations. His national-level awards include the National Counterintelligence Executive's Investigative Team Award in 2014 and the Department of Defense Counterintelligence Team Award in 2009.Key topics of Holder's discussion with host Fred Burton include:How his experience as a Security Officer in the National Security Investigations Program of the US Army shaped him into the leader he is today. The most important skills needed to stand up an insider threat unit and the critical importance of understanding the importance of the human mind amid technological advancements (employees must feel empowered to report behaviors!)How technology has impacted the insider threat space and resources Holder recommends for those interested in exploring a career in this area. Here are the ones mentioned within the episode:Borderless Behavior Analytics - Second Edition: Who's Inside? What're They Doing?Inside Jobs: Why Insider Risk Is the Biggest Cyber Threat You Can't IgnoreOffice of the Director of National Intelligence's National Insider Threat TaskforceKey takeaways:01:23: Dave Holder: There are a lot of things in the military that carry directly over. Most of us coming out of these types of environments struggle with that balance a little bit. And with leadership, generally speaking, I learned you can't leave from behind. You have to be good at what you do as a practitioner. Have to be good with your people you've got to empower everyone and let them lead and innovate.14:00: Dave Holder: When I think about the horizon I guess I could think about it in terms of where I think the enemy threat picture is going to use military terminology — defensively, I have to react to what the adversary is doing, but offensively, can I create a framework that puts all of the odds in my favor. On the program-building side of things, I think we need to put more focus into that and hopefully, some of the work MITRE is doing to build out an insider threat framework similar to MITRE attack for cyber defense will produce some of the applied research findings that will help us to get ahead of the curve. In the meantime, we have to continue to professionalize this field that we're calling Insider threat or insider risk along the main core competencies. I think without those we're not fluent enough with compliance professionals, privacy professionals, offices of general counsel, etc. We have to be able to converse with them in terms they ah that they understand and that they care about.
With multiple crises happening around the globe, it's impossible for organizations to ignore the threat of geopolitics to their business. Security teams are forced to think beyond what's happening now and consider what's around the corner. Many understand the duty of care to keep employees safe; however not all realize that this extends to the geopolitical landscape. It is the duty of security leaders to help their organization make sense of what's happening and be a calm voice in the midst of permacrisis.Ross Hill, Founder of Insight Forward, is that calm voice for many as he helps businesses understand risk. He applies his background leading intelligence analysis for prominent risk management organizations such as AT-RISK International and Pinkerton, and has acquired an in-depth knowledge of core processes, programme design and management, fulfilling senior management positions in global security and risk consultancies, and gaining exposure to renowned multinationals and driving their intelligence needs. He began his career as a Forensic DNA Analyst and as an Intelligence Analyst for the Metropolitan Police.Check out Insight Forward's latest report: Top 10 Geopolitical Risks for Businesses in 2024 and the latest geopolitical news by subscribing to Pestle & Mortar.Key topics of Hill's discussion with hosts Chuck Randolph and Fred Burton include:Why global and national companies alike cannot escape the impact of geopolitics on their business, and why it's critical to look beyond the threats you face today.Why security leaders have a responsibility to help the people they protect make sense of the crises abroad and how misinformation (most notably with the Hamas War) has the ability to cause unwarranted concern and mistrust.The top three things corporate security teams can do right now in light of multiple crises happening around the globe.
With a presidential election around the corner, many wonder what level of Secret Service protection is provided to hopeful candidates, when it is an option to receive, and what resources are used. After serving as a senior supervisor on the Secret Service Presidential Protective Division during her 26 year career with the U.S. Secret Service, Cynthia Marble shares what she knows on the topic.Cynthia Marble is a nationally recognized leader in the fields of threat assessment and threat management, protective intelligence, investigations, national security, executive protection, and global security operations. She has extensive experience conducting as well as supervising threat assessment and protective intelligence investigations on high-profile public officials and public figures. Marble currently serves as Senior Director of Threat Management Operations for Ontic. Key topics of Marble's discussion with host Fred Burton include:Timing for assigning Secret Service protection to presidential candidates, and how long former presidents receive protectionChallenging aspects of her work and the unimaginable parts of securing even the smallest event to ensure every day is zero failThe most critical thing to look for when conducting a threat assessmentKey takeaways:03:14: Cindy Marble: In general the committees look at the the viability of the candidates. It is threat-driven as far as the extent of the protection and exactly what type of resources are involved — those candidates that are deemed viable within that year are going to get protection.07:35: Fred: Cindy, what worried you the most when it comes to just working a crowd or working an event?07:57: Cindy Marble: What always worries us is what we don't know. It's honestly looking for that one thing that is out of place - out of the ordinary. Just being vigilant - things don't worry me, but they do concern me and to me, there's a difference. The way to alleviate the concern is to be educated and open to new information. It helps inform how we work an event. So I was definitely worried about the things that I didn't know and I think being comfortable with understanding that you don't sometimes know what you don't know and just being open to all possibilities. 19:21: Cindy Marble: We know that oftentimes there's not a direct threat to a person or to an entity to a place but it's the behavior. It's statements that are concerning and opening up our minds and saying ‘okay, I'm not looking for that direct threat - what I'm looking at is that concerning behavior' that that is easy to understand if I know that that's what I'm looking for if that makes sense. You may walk out of an interview and say I'm not 100 % sure that this person is a threat, but what I can do is I can manage the situation and I can say okay I do know that there's something that needs to be done.
William Villanova knows this all too well, as he has been managing events of this nature for over three decades. He is the President of Frank E. Campbell – The Funeral Chapel in New York City, which has a rich history and is arguably the most well-known funeral home in Manhattan, if not the Nation. He is well known for implementing and promoting the highest standards in funeral service, of which security and privacy are paramount to a successful event. Key topics of Villanova's discussion with host Fred Burton include:The preparation and contingency planning that goes into a celebrity funeral in the days/weeks leading up to the event.The variety of teams involved to orchastrate a high profile funeral – from NYPD to multiple private security teams to Secret Service.The extent of contingency planning, represented by the collaboration between medical teams and local hospitals on standby.
Bill Marlow is an internationally recognized authority on Information Security and Risk. As an active participant in critical infrastructure protection on a worldwide basis, he has worked closely with global governments and law enforcement as well as financial institutions, energy corporations, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies on issues involving cyber terrorism, security plans, and international cooperation. Additionally, Marlow has served his country as a member of the Intelligence Community.Key topics of Marlow's discussion with host Fred Burton include:The critical security need behind protecting publicly accessible location data for executives and their corporations, as well as individuals who are deployed abroad.The technology and strategy that went into creating the Qphone and the importance of the right customer base for this product.What's next in the world of privacy and protection.Key takeaways:01:19: Bill Marlow: My team and I have been looking at things to help the good guys. The bad guys have the highest end capabilities that you can imagine - spectrum radios, point to point encryption capabilities - the good guys on the other hand are not exactly well funded. The Qphone is an ultra secure communications app that you can put on virtually any mobile device to allow fully secured, fully protected communications. The critical part is that we collect no data. We don't know where you are. We don't care where you are. We don't know what your phone is. It is truly a clean implementation. The encryption we use is a Quantum resistant encryption using the latest techniques to prevent Quantum computers from actually accessing it.02:46 Fred: Wow, that's simply amazing. Now I think most of us who have lived in the intelligence space or the protection business are used to apps such as Signal or Whatsapp and so forth. How is Q phone different?03:04 Bill Marlow: So nothing in life is free as the old adage goes. As you're using a free app they have to pay for themselves somehow. So what they do is they collect information or metadata on every individual and then correlate that information and sell it lots of places. More importantly, there are a number of agencies around the world from different governments who buy that information through third party companies. They collect things about where you are, what kind of device you have, who you are connected to and how many times you talk to them, so on. The Qphone, on the other hand, doesn't collect anything. Now, it's not free but we don't collect anything so you're protected from that kind of analysis from going on. To most of us who are in the intelligence business or even the law enforcement business, that's a critical item - not having people be able to tell where you are who you're talking to or what you've done.13:51 Fred: And I assume ah like most businesses do there's due diligence on customers to make sure that this technology is not falling into enemy's hands so to speak.14:02 Bill Marlow: Absolutely. In fact, that's one of the critical items for us is that you have to be a recognizable organization. You have to be a corporation. You have to be a law enforcement group.17:46 Fred: When you think through this having done a lot of threat assessments and vulnerability assessments on ultra high net worth individuals and so forth, you might have a CEO that's very secure but family members and children aren't.18:01 Bill Marlow: Exactly and they're the vulnerability.18:04.75 Fred: So in this space with a Qphone if you had this deployed amongst your core family and so forth. You could rest assured that nobody's tracking you monitoring you and triangulating in on your location.19:23.56 Bill Marlow: I think that more people need to be made aware of all the things that are happening to them in a privacy mode. How much information is being gathered about them people don't realize the extent of the information that is being gathered every time they go out to a news site or they go shopping online or and they don't have the right kinds of protections in place.19:58 Bill Marlow: Qphone is one piece of a security program. We can protect their communications. We can make sure that they can send documents and messages and they can have conference calls and video calls securely. It works on your your mobile devices. It works on your desktop. But that's a piece of a much larger program. There's a need for people to start understanding about the amount of information that's being taken from them.
Fred Burton: From Cop to Terrorist Hunter Was a brutal murder of an Israeli officer in the suburbs of Maryland a random act of violence or a strategic assassination carried out by terrorists operating on American soil? Can counterterrorism techniques be effective in combating the spread of gang violence in U.S. cities? Can future violence be disrupted by actionable intelligence? Fred Burton, author and terrorism expert, talks with B.C. and Ski about his role using an informant to help capture Ramzi Yousef (World Trade Center bombing), his cases abroad working some of America's largest terrorist investigations, and his time spent solving a 50-year-old cold case. Listen in as the discussion also covers the role of human intelligence abroad and right here in the U.S. with gang work. (Books by Fred Burton) Ghost: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent Beirut Rules: The Murder of a CIA Station Chief and Hezbollah's War Against America Chasing Shadows: A Special Agent's Lifelong Hunt to Bring a Cold War Assassin To Justice
Scott Stewart, Vice President of Intelligence at TorchStone Global, shares his expertise on this topic and how his firm provides advice to corporations on how to best protect themselves and their employees in this environment. While not all activity poses a threat, it's important for companies to be hyper-aware of activity and the measures activists can take. Before joining TorchStone Global as the Vice President of Intelligence, Stewart led the global analysis of terrorism and security topics at Stratfor and served as a member of Michael Dell's executive protection team. Stewart also spent ten years as a special agent with the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). Key topics of Stewart's discussion with host Fred Burton include:How the Extinction Rebellion movement evolved over time and why companies outside of the energy industry should be concerned.Advice for corporations or those managing large-scale events when there is potential for protest activity nearby.The impact of this type of protest on executive security outside of the office (residential security, banks supporting industries in the spotlight, sporting venues, etc.)
Fred Burton is a former police officer, special agent and New York Times best-selling author. He's served on the front lines of high-profile investigations like the hunt for and arrest of Ramzi Yousef, the mastermind behind the first World Trade Center bombing; the 1988 plane crash of PAK-1 that killed U.S. Ambassador Arnold Raphel and Pakistani President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq; and the search for Americans kidnapped by Hezbollah in Beirut, Lebanon.His best-selling books include his personal memoir GHOST: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent, Chasing Shadows: A Special Agent's Lifelong Hunt to Bring a Cold War Assassin to Justice, Under Fire: The Untold Story of the Attack in Benghazi and his fourth book, Beirut Rules: The Murder of a CIA Station Chief and Hezbollah's War Against America.Burton also consults with Fortune 500 companies on security developments and how to keep their personnel and business safe as the Executive Director of the Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence. Burton was selected by Security Magazine as one of the Most Influential People in Security in 2021 and his books have been featured in thrillers by Brad Thor, Jack Carr and Tom Clancy's Target Acquired by Don Bentley. Follow Fred on IG
This week Justin welcomes repeat guest Fred Burton. Fred is the former Deputy Chief of the Counter-Terrorism and Protective Intelligence Division for the US State Department's Diplomatic Security Service, and is currently the executive director of the Onyx Center for Protective Intelligence. He's also the author of four non-fiction books about counterterrorism and intelligence matters. Today, Fred discusses the murder of CIA Station Chief William F. Buckley in Hezbollah's War Against America. A CIA officer and Special Forces veteran, Bill was kidnapped and murdered in Lebanon in the 1980s in an event that changed the Central Intelligence Agency and US policy towards Lebanon forever.Connect with Fred:officialfredburton.comTwitter: @fred_burtonIG: @officialfredburtonFred's book, Beirut Rules, here on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/Beirut-Rules-Station-Hezbollahs-Against/dp/1101987464Connect with Spycraft 101:Check out Justin's latest release, Covert Arms, here.spycraft101.comIG: @spycraft101Shop: spycraft-101.myshopify.comPatreon: Spycraft 101Find Justin's first book, Spyshots: Volume One, here.Download the free eBook, The Clandestine Operative's Sidearm of Choice, here.SLNT Protect your data and devices. Use code SPYCRAFT101 to save 10% off your order.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show
Greg joins host Fred Burton to discuss:Why the importance of human intelligence prevails all in a technology-dominant business culture.Trends in anti-semitic crimes that Battle Tested Solutions helps address and how Greg separates true threats from the noise of activity in the space.Being prepared for the unexpected events that happen when protecting principals abroad.His biggest lessons learned from his time in the Israel Defense Forces.