Several years ago, after attending my fourth or fifth (ASIS) GSX event I got wind of another opportunity called ASIS International. At that time, I thought it was another tradeshow. What I found was a meeting a worldwide group of security influencers

Viva la France

Several years ago, after attending my fourth or fifth (ASIS) GSX event I got wind of another opportunity called ASIS International. At that time, I thought it was another tradeshow. What I found was a meeting a worldwide group of security influencers.

Because I have never been afraid to ask, I powered into my boss’s office to plead my case to attend in some destination call Nice, France. I am sure you already know this, I did, Nice, and the surrounding area is a destination for the rich and famous. I am neither, but my boss agreed and sent me away to make the necessary travel arrangements.

Here was security on the grandest stage of all where security directors from all over the world would be attending and contributing to the narrative. I was way out of my league on this one, but I did not want to squander the opportunity

There were numerous opportunities to listen and learn.

As the three-day affair was nearly complete, the planning of evening events included a bus trip to Monte Carlo, at the Hotel de Paris at Monte-Carle, for a social gathering, and drinks. I am not a drinker, but more about that in a minute.

It is a stunning drive from Nice to Monte Carlo, passing Port Hercules, the only deep-water port in Monaco. In the 1970s the port underwent substantial improvement to provide anchorage for up to 700 vessels. No tugboats or shrimping boats in the marina.

Back to the security soiree at the hotel, a few of the people I met and have the opportunity to chat with included the director a security for ARAMCO, a well-known player in the oil business, especially Saudi Arabia. I really did hear some amazing security stories from the oil field.

vWhile passing through the crowd, I bumped in to the vice president of (Europe) security for Coca Cola. Worried about my welfare, he asked why I did not have a drink. I said I do not drink, but if I did, it would be a Coke, I would be happy. I thought it was something I said, but the man disappeared only to return with a member of the serving staff with several small bottles of Coca Cola. Upon his return, he replied “what kind of security professional would I be if I could not get you a Coke?”

J'ai répondu, ‘’j'espère que vous n'avez pas dû entrer par effraction dans une pièce fermée à clé pour cela, mais merci."

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Maximizing Your Security Budget This Year

    Perimeter Security Standards for Multi-Site Businesses

    When you run or own a business that has multiple locations, it is important to set clear perimeter security standards. By doing this, it allows you to assess and mitigate any potential threats or risks at each site or location efficiently and effectively. Read Now

  • New Research Shows a Continuing Increase in Ransomware Victims

    GuidePoint Security recently announced the release of GuidePoint Research and Intelligence Team’s (GRIT) Q1 2024 Ransomware Report. In addition to revealing a nearly 20% year-over-year increase in the number of ransomware victims, the GRIT Q1 2024 Ransomware Report observes major shifts in the behavioral patterns of ransomware groups following law enforcement activity – including the continued targeting of previously “off-limits” organizations and industries, such as emergency hospitals. Read Now

  • OpenAI's GPT-4 Is Capable of Autonomously Exploiting Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

    According to a new study from four computer scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, OpenAI’s paid chatbot, GPT-4, is capable of autonomously exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities without any human assistance. Read Now

  • Getting in Someone’s Face

    There was a time, not so long ago, when the tradeshow industry must have thought COVID-19 might wipe out face-to-face meetings. It sure seemed that way about three years ago. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • ComNet CNGE6FX2TX4PoE

    The ComNet cost-efficient CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is a six-port switch that offers four Gbps TX ports that support the IEEE802.3at standard and provide up to 30 watts of PoE to PDs. It also has a dedicated FX/TX combination port as well as a single FX SFP to act as an additional port or an uplink port, giving the user additional options in managing network traffic. The CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is designed for use in unconditioned environments and typically used in perimeter surveillance. 3

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions. 3

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation. 3