Chatham House Rule

Chatham House is the location of the Royal Institute for International Affairs based in St James SW1. So what is the Chatham House rule? Firstly many people make the mistake of saying ‘Chatham House Rules’, this is a common misconception because there is actually only one rule which reads as follows:

"When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed".

The rule is widely used and seems to be mentioned regularly at business meetings, security committees and security conferences in an attempt to aid free discussion. The rule allows attendees to speak as individuals and to encourage free discussion without the concern for their official duties or personnel reputation.

The rule is not a gagging order, as you can chat freely about the meeting afterwards but the amenity of the attendees must stand (e.g.: name and originations), for example a list of attendees should not be circulated beyond those participating in the meeting.

The success of the rule is really only morally binding and is at best relying upon someone’s integrity and professionalism......and here lies the potential problem!

I recently attended a meeting where the Chatham House Rule was invoked. However, I knew that one person in the room had previous for a lack of confidentiality and integrity and as a result it was impossible for me to speak freely and rely upon this ‘morally binding’ rule, which according to some internet sources the rule is half-jokingly summarised as, "You may be quoted, but you cannot be fired," or the lesser, “what happens on tour, stays on tour”

I know that as a individual both working within business and being a member of various professional bodies, I am governed by lots of different legislation, codes of conducts and ethics. There are also a number of rules that I am bound by as a security professional and by my own personal beliefs and morals. All of which if breached would result in a significant amount of damage both professionally, reputationally and legally.

So why oh why, should I put all my faith in a morally binding (nice to have) rule that is actually only enforceable in Chatham House itself..... because in the absences of knowing any one persons integrity or honesty, I have to rely on this rule. Whether I choose to speak freely will now have to depend on my interpretation of who is around me.

20-26 Sept 2010 UK Home Security Week

All too often we in the corporate security arena concentrate on very high level ‘important’ security risks such as terrorism, physical, info sec and data loss to name but a few and simple security is sometimes over looked.

I recently gave a presentation to a number of senior management and asked them ‘when does security start in their day?’ All of them answered when they enter their building and surprisingly not before they leave home in the morning.

The week is designed to highlight what you can do to combat crime against your property and  the website http://www.ukhomesecurityweek.co.uk/ will show you how to make your home safer and more secure for you and your family.

For the record, ever the professional, I have shared this website with those managers. Please visit, publicise to your family, friends and colleagues. Enjoy and keeeeeeeeepp securing.

Top 5 Burglar's Deterrents

Address at the WCoSP by the Director General of the Security Service, Jonathan Evans

Counter Terror Conference 7-8 December, Russell Square, London UK

On the 7th & 8th December 2010 at Hotel Russell in London, Richard is attending and presenting.

Counter Terrorism is delighted to welcome the following keynote speakers: 

• Detective Chief Superintendent Liam O’Brien, ACPO TAM Interoperability Lead
• Adrian Dwyer, Counter Terrorism Risk Advisor, British Transport Police
• Mike Downing, Deputy Chief, Counter Terrorism and Criminal Intelligence Bureau, LAPD
• Andrew Huddart, Program Manager, National & Local London Resilience Team
• Rob Bartlett, Programme Manager Operations, Government Olympic Executive 2012
• Sue O’Sullivan, Deputy Chief of Police, Former President of the Counter Terrorism Alumni Association, Ottawa Police Service
• Col Tony Abati, US Army Special Forces Chief of Current Operations Deputy Director for Special Operations (J37) 3000 The Joint Staff, The Pentegon
• Detective Chief Inspector Chris Philips GCGI, FSyl, National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO)
• Superintendent Alan King, CBRNe Co-ordinator, Metropolitan Police
• Joris De Baerdemeaker, Bio Terrorism Prevention Program Manager, INTERPOL General Secretariat
• Chief Inspector Tim Marjason, Strategic Business Continuity Manager, CO3 Emergency Preparedness OCU, Metropolitan Police Services
• and Me, Richard Bell, Security Audit Manager, Transport for London

This Counter Terrorism 2010 Conference, is being billed as an essential event for all counter terrorism stake holders wishing to hear the latest on the following:

• Expanding the use of scanning devices outside of airport security
• Operational command and control
• Overcoming communication challenges to improve response times
• Operational feedback from anti terror CCTV
• Future requirements for surveillance technology
• Combating the emerging threat of cyber terrorism
• Latest developments in biometric identification

Social Engineering Definitely a Massive Threat!

The thing is with Social Engineering we all experience it on a regular basis in one shape or form and we do not even know its happening to us, luckily the vast majority don't pose a security risk.

When was the last time you spoke to a recruitment company? The consultants use a form of Social Engineering to 'tease out' information about you, the organisation you work for (or previously worked for) and also some information about your colleagues. This information is not only used by them to help you but its also utilised by them to make more contacts, to get a better understanding of what the job market is doing and to ultimately make more money (and why not).

Personnel Security is now a very important part of any organisations security strategy. The potential risks from an 'insider threat' are reducing (with the appropriate processes in place), but attackers no longer need to gain legitimate employment they can gain the trust of the unsuspecting staff (normally at a junior level) to provide the sensitive information they require to penetrate your organisation (physically or electronically).

What I'm trying to say is be cautious who you are talking to, why are they asking so many questions, why are they stroking your ego and of course be careful what information you put into the public domain about you and your organisation (including the Internet).

Check out the link for the 'Help Net Security' website article.

Don’t pay for Skype – It’s a scam

Action Fraud states that Internet users are being warned to watch out for a scam that charges money for what appears to be an upgrade of Skype. Check out this, other current fraud threats and how to report fraud at http://www.actionfraud.org.uk/ or read more

Cash Machine Device Found

This is a crime that we haven't heard much about in recent years. Do you always check the cash machines you are using for anything that shouldn't be there or looks a little out of place?!

http://www.securityoracle.com/news/detail.html?id=17331

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The Security Institute Conference 2010

Thursday AM and I have had some time to reflect on the last two days. All in all not a bad conference some interesting speakers (and if i am honest some not). I have walked away with some newly acquired knowledge and a few good contacts who I will email later today.
The thing with conferences is it's probably impossible for the organisers (who did a great job by the way) to provide speakers who are relevant and of interest to all the attendees but the common theme was security - or rather 'Security Art or Science' and at times we appeared to wander from this path. To be a little more specific there were at least two speakers who just simply gave a breakdown of the work they and their teams do - which was not inline with the conference portfolio and if I am totally honest I found it a little self indulgent. There was also one speaker who mentioned security twice throughout the entire presentation and is 45mins of my life that i will never get back.
Before anyone asks I don't mean the presentation by 'The Colourworks' which was great and very thought provoking, non 'security' related yes but very relevant to building a more effective and dynamic team.
I thought Lord Carlile was great and what a fantastic president for the SyI bearing in mind the roles past and present he has held.
So the big question for me is still around the institute acquiring Chartered status and how this will be obtainable by me and other members.......I guess it's out of my hands and one to keep a watching brief on.

Below is brief breakdown of the two days:

1330: CoLP a good insight into the work that is being carried out by the NFIB.
1246: Lord Carlile a very worthy president of the SyI.
1151: Azeem Aleem is talking convergence, what an interesting subject. A very knowable presenter and a few bits to take away and think about.
1132: William Hill 30mins in and security has been mentioned once.
1047: Mitchell's and Butlers a basic presentation to a group of experienced security professionals.
0940: Bill Butler from the SIA was interesting. I wouldn't want his job for any amount of money.
0900 Day 2: Don Randall was funny and gave a good insight into the work around acquire Chartership, the register of security particinors and the WCoSP.
1802: End of day one. It's been an entertaining afternoon and we have had some interesting speakers (Hostage UK was my favourite). Let's wait until the end of tomorrow for my overall thoughts. Time for a beer.......the BBQ starts at 7pm.
1721: You and your team - unleashing the x-factor.......very entertaining and interesting actually quite thought provoking!
1623: Hostage UK are on, maybe one day I might need them if I spend anymore time in Croydon! A very interesting presentation from a knowledgable presenter. That's one business card that I will hopefully never need to use!
1500: The Art of the Forger seems to be a debrief of successful UKBA 'jobs'. Entertaining but I question if its relevant to the audience at the senior level of them (not me) are at?! More useful to a bunch of HR managers.
1436: Just had a whirlwind tour of Risk Management. Audit and review were mentioned but a little negatively I thought! Ummm some education needed.
1345: Things have kicked off.......hold on tight.
1135: What a great location! Let's hope the content is up to scratch.

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Personnel Security is a must for any organisation.

Personnel Security is a must for any organisation to combat the insider threat and manage associated risk. Checkout http://j.mp/bivrSO for some very good advice from the experts.

Security is simple - another data loss

USB stick with anti-terror training found outside police station:

Keychain cops

A memory stick containing anti-terror training manuals and other sensitive material was reportedly found on a street outside a Manchester police station.…