Session Examines How to Sniff Out Security Threats on Social Media

  • By Christina Miralla
  • Mar 21, 2012

It’s always intriguing to attend security exhibitions and learn a wealth of new information thanks to a handful of education sessions. Next week is no different. With the social media revolution on the rise, the communication outlet brings about new discussions that will be addressed at this year’s ISC West Conference. As an active participant in the land of social media, one education session immediately caught my attention since it is dedicated to social media threat investigation.

Security industry professionals are tweeting their much anticipated arrival in Las Vegas next week -- including myself -- but what threats could they be facing by exposing such information? We all think: What harm could there be in posting information online with the right privacy settings? Well, a wealth of revealing information about any subject can be found through online, social media activity with a little snooping. On Wednesday, March 28, an education session discusses threat level investigation on social media channels.

The one-hour education session is aimed at threat assessment professionals, who can learn the intentions, violence capability and mental status of a subject through their online postings and social media messages and how to use that information to determine the likelihood and severity of a potential threat.

Two speakers will lead the social media investigation discussion, University of Massachusetts, Boston Detective Paul Parlon and Director of Investigations for Cyber Investigation Services LLC Bruce Anderson. Taking reach life cases, the two will breakdown the investigation and illustrate factors and elements to investigate online and demonstrate the tools and manner of researching potential threats on the web.

While I may not work as a threat assessment professional, this information is pertinent to the security industry. By the end of the session, attendees should be able to: Recognize opportunity for data collection on potential threats through online activity; identify means of searching and gaining access to a subject's online activity; and develop the ability to monitor a subject’s state of mind and intentions through their online activity.

The session is aimed at end-users and IT professionals and starts at 10:15 a.m.

About the Author

Christina Miralla is the associate content editor at 1105 Media, Inc.

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • 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.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.