Why this approach to security is the quickest way to repeat history

Remember 9/11, where you were; how it felt? Of course! Remember the 9/11 Commission Report and it's conclusions... not so much? Don't worry, you're not alone, but one critical finding was that the abundance of law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, border controls and other security aspects did not communicate information and coordinate efforts in a way that could have made the difference. They were operating in silos.

If this sounds even remotely like the approach to the broad-ranging aspects of security for your organization, then you have effectively reproduced for yourself the conditions that made 9/11 possible. Sound far-fetched?

Stop and consider for just a moment: there is not a single company, organization, institution or geo-political entity of any kind that has effectively integrated ALL elements of security. Not one... nope, not even the one you were just thinking of! It simply hasn't happened yet. Some entities may tie more of the components together, or coordinate more effectively, but no one does it all and the vast majority have barely scratched the surface.

Security now touches every aspect of every organization in every way. The number of components are increasing rapidly and the very word has become so complex that the old ways of thinking about security are not only outdated, they're stubbornly operating in silos. Want proof?

Here is a very simple example. From wherever you are reading this, think about how many touch points there are to you right now; remember to include physical access, virtual/data intrusions, physical safety and environmental aspects, and the psychological effect on you of other people's access to your family or friends. Now think about how much of the security for each of those are interconnected and coordinate information and operations. See what I mean? Silo's.

Next time: What can you realistically do about it?