The Security Institute's November / December News is Out

Read it here

The Washington Metro Are To Conduct Random Bag Checks

Metro anti-terrorism teams will immediately start random inspections of passengers' bags and packages to try to protect the rail and bus system from attack.

Police using explosives-screening equipment and bomb-sniffing dogs will pull aside for inspection about every third person carrying a bag, Metro Transit Police Chief Michael Taborn said. The searches might be conducted at one location at a time or at several places simultaneously. The inspections will be conducted 'indefinitely'.

The inspections over the far-flung transit network, which has 86 rail stations and 12,000 bus stops, will be conducted by several dozen officers at most. Metro's trains and buses carry more than 1.2 million passengers every weekday, and officials acknowledge the limitations of the plan.

The screening will be conducted before passengers pay to enter the rail system or board a bus, and customers who refuse the inspections will be "free to leave," Taborn said. But there is a possibility that those who decline screening will be questioned further.

Will this work? Is this enough to deter a terrorist? Isn't the 'MO' to detonate at first point of contact? 

Still something is certainly better than nothing!

Pass The Password

33% of computer users actually use the same password for every single website they use. Just one in five users say they use a different password for every site (imagine how many passwords you would need)!!

Millions of web users are being asked to reset their passwords as concerns spread over a major hacking attack on the Gawker site.

The attack on Gawker, which runs one of the world's most popular blog networks, was carried out over the weekend by an organisation calling itself Gnosis.

• Tips for keeping your password safe
• Never use the same password across lots of different websites.
• Do not use a word that you - or a hacker - could find in the dictionary: these are susceptible to so-called 'brute force' attacks.
• Try to include some digits and special characters to add a layer of complexity that will make life difficult for a criminal.
• Pick a phrase or mnemonic that helps you remember your password.
• You can avoid having to remember passwords altogether by using a password manager program. There are many available to download online.

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If You Suspect It, Report It!

This the message the MPS has put out as part of its latest counter terrorism publicity campaign. It's an old message put a very relevant one. Click here for the MPS new radio advertisement.

The MPS want people to look out for the unusual - some activity or behaviour which strikes them as not quite right and out of place in their normal day to day lives e.g.:  

• Terrorists need storage - Lock-ups, garages and sheds can all be used by terrorists to store equipment. Are you suspicious of anyone renting commercial property?
• Terrorists use chemicals - Do you know someone buying large or unusual quantities of chemicals for no obvious reason?
• Terrorists need funding - Cheque and credit card fraud are ways of generating cash. Have you seen any suspicious transactions?
• Terrorists use multiple identities - Do you know someone with documents in different names for no obvious reason?
• Terrorists need information - Do you someone taking an interest in security, like CCTV cameras for no obvious reason?
• Terrorists need transport - If you work in commercial vehicle hire or sales, has a sale or rental made you suspicious?  

I do find it a bit poor that the Met's own website actually spells 'suspicious' incorrectly (although I admit that my spelling isn't much better)!