As enterprises grow and markets shift, business travel increases. This often includes travel to international markets in some of the less developed or less secure regions of the world. On top of the stresses of normal business travel, overseas travel presents the challenges of new cultures, languages, laws and regulations, different business practices and sometimes […]
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As enterprises grow and markets shift, business travel increases. This often includes travel to international markets in some of the less developed or less secure regions of the world. On top of the stresses of normal business travel, overseas travel presents the challenges of new cultures, languages, laws and regulations, different business practices and sometimes limited infrastructure.
While traveling in distressed regions you must assume a higher level of responsibility for your own safety. Inadequate local support services will escalate the intensity of a problem; a minor delay can quickly turn into a crisis due to unpreparedness.
Crime is your most prominent threat. Surveillance and target selection is the key element in crime planning. To counter this you must present yourself as a “hard target,” keeping a low profile and taking the right steps to not show up on criminals' radar.
Crime in certain areas can be sophisticated, it's a way of life; criminals will pay for information on easy targets to hit at a later time and location. It is possible you could be identified as a target at the airport when you arrive, or at a hotel or restaurant. Always be aware, always project confidence, always be able to recognize and avoid a bad situation before you find yourself in one.
Some things to keep in mind:
• Avoid having an established predictable pattern
• Recognize unusual or suspicious behavior
• Don't fumble, be streamlined
• Avoid having exposed luggage tags with your name and address
• Limit public discussions offering specific information
• Have a point of contact and stay in contact prior to arrival in a country
• Give a time and place to meet contacts.
Planning is essential. Talk to others who have been there before. Ask about things that went well, things they would do differently and what they wished they knew before they left. To find specific safety and security information, go to the U.S. Department of State travel website (www.travel.state.gov) and Bureau of Diplomatic Security website (www.osac.gov).
Another excellent planning tool is the United Kingdom Foreign Office site (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice). You should also review various news articles. At least a basic understanding of the culture, religion, government and history is essential, and can keep you or even get you out of trouble.
Communications are an important aspect of security preparation and awareness. It's essential to always have the ability to let someone know where you are and what your intentions are.
Purchasing or renting a local mobile phone is a good idea. Your personal phone number should be considered protected information. A Google search of your number can provide criminals with critical information used to target you. It's easier for people supporting your trip to contact you on a local phone rather than calling your U.S. phone; they may not have international service.
A fully charged phone is critical. Also remember to bring the appropriate electrical adapters.
Make sure folks at home know your itinerary, update them with quick text messages. Make sure they know how to get hold of you while you're away.
You are safer staying at larger, well-known hotels. Take about 10 minutes to familiarize yourself with the hotel, its exits and outside grounds. Know the elevators and know the stairs. Observe if access to the hotel is controlled.
Knowing you are prepared enhances your confidence and personal security. One of the many positive things about security awareness is that it also generates efficiency and good organization in addition to personal safety. Your most difficult challenge may be convincing colleagues a higher level of awareness is necessary. Do not rely on being lucky.
Harding Bush spent 20 years in the Navy SEALs and five years in corporate security. He co-founded Harke Strategic to answer the growing need for individuals, businesses and organizations to be better prepared for an increasingly complex, dangerous and interrelated world. He can be reached at harding@harkestrategic.com.