SVSG & Network Effects: A Controlled Wildfire ??

A "really" short article and some recommendations

Back in 2010 - 2013, I attended one of the most sought-after courses at the Naval Postgraduate School 's Department of Defense Analysis known as "Disrupting Dark Networks Using Social Network Analysis." The class was designed to train Naval Officers and intelligence folks on how to influence and disrupt covert groups using Social Network Analysis (SNA) software like Pajek, UCINET, etc. I was the only civilian allowed to attend the rather intimidating class. Almost eleven years later, it still amuses me to see the impact of those lectures as they continue to shape my life and professional endeavors.

Author's Note: By covert groups, I am referring to terrorist cells, drug trafficking, and illicit networks among other secretive groups also referred here as "dark networks."

Here I am in a middle seat of a long-haul flight reflecting on some of the things I continue to see through the Silicon Valley Security Group . One of them has been the increasing interest, connections, and associations people have made through this network. Now, what is really interesting and relevant to this article is that the same strategies, tools, and tactics used to disrupting, influencing or eliminating dark networks can also be used to reinforce behaviors, facilitate the flow of information and resources, and unify groups like SVSG.

Centrality & Brokerage

Centrality measures, for example, have played a key role in how the group has evolved. Brokerage roles - people connecting otherwise disconnected individuals and groups - have become our own version of High-Value Targets (HVT). When it comes to network influence, the mailman is sometimes a lot more important than then president of the HOA. Yes, while it is true that SVSG is a referral-only organization, you can clearly identify how third-degree connections (your friend's friend's friend) have spread the fire well beyond the original network's boundaries. Let's not forget that the initial "network" was only four people and all of them knew each other. It only took a second social event for the network to expand well beyond second-degree connections.

That is precisely the reason why referrals continue to represent a controlled wildfire. Referrals are a slow burn. Slowly integrating known unknowns have resulted in a trust network gradually developing and strengthening its ties. Furthermore, SVSG has the advantage of maintaining a large number of nodes that in the SNA world would rank as "high eigenvector." These are members that are connected to many other members also ranking high in terms of network influence. That IS the SVSG uniqueness.

Recommendation: For organizations aiming to strengthen their networks, consider implementing referral-based models to foster gradual trust-building among members. Additionally, identify and cultivate individuals who serve as connectors between disparate groups within the network, thereby enhancing its resilience and reach.

Structural Holes & Links

Our strategy will be to avoid structural holes, and we'll do that by bringing more brokers (connectors) into our network. Remember the mailman? Correct, instead of focusing solely on top security executives or flashy brands, for example, we will focus on bringing people and organizations who are connected to isolated groups unknown and unrelated to SVSG. Additionally, our strategy will be to pay close attention to how information and resources flow within the network. Creating incentives and link robustness will be of utmost importance.

Recommendation: Organizations should actively seek to fill structural holes within their networks by identifying and engaging with individuals or entities that can bridge gaps between disconnected groups. By fostering linkages and incentivizing information sharing, organizations can enhance collaboration and resource flow, thereby bolstering network effectiveness.

In closing, the SVSG fire is burning, and it will be incredibly hard to stop it. This has been done by design, not by accident. The complexity of our resource network, the kinds of nodes we maintain, and the sole ideology we've created make SVSG incredibly resilient to disruption. These are all powerful lessons for business and team leaders who still struggle to unify their teams and workflows.

-Ricardo