Why This Matters

• By Alan Stoddard
• Mar 24, 2023

In today's complex and rapidly changing security landscape, situational intelligence has become crucial to managing risk and protecting assets. It refers to gathering, analyzing and using information about a particular situation to make informed and effective decisions. This means understanding the current threat environment, anticipating potential risks, and responding effectively to emerging security incidents.

However, to realize situational intelligence, we must solve the data problem. The data problem in security refers to the challenges associated with managing and using the vast amounts of data generated by security systems and processes. This data can come from various sources, including video surveillance cameras, biometric systems and other sensor technologies, and human sources, such as eyewitnesses and informers.

With these millions of sensors and devices, generating vast amounts of information daily, organizations must have the systems and processes to manage this data effectively. Much of the data generated is unstructured and may take time to be helpful for analysis. This requires organizations to invest in sophisticated data analytics and machine learning technologies to turn this data into actionable intelligence.

Even with these challenges, addressing them and leveraging data to boost new levels of awareness is critically important. Here are some reasons why:

A proactive mindset. An essential aspect of situational intelligence is anticipating potential threats before they materialize. This requires a deep understanding of the threat environment and identifying indicators of forthcoming risks. This process can include monitoring social media, analyzing trends and patterns in criminal activity, and tracking the movements of illegal activity. With this information, security staff can take proactive steps to mitigate risk and prevent security incidents from occurring.

Informed response. Quick and effective response is another significant benefit of situational intelligence. When a security incident does occur, having security intelligence is essential for a quick and effective response. By having a deep understanding of the situation, security staff can quickly assess what is happening and determine the most appropriate response. This can include activating emergency procedures, evacuating the area, or calling for backup.

Data-driven decisions. Situational intelligence also enables security staff to make better decisions in the face of rapidly changing situations. With access to real-time information, security staff can assess the situation, consider all available options, and take action to mitigate risk and protect assets, such as evaluating the deployment of resources, the use of technology, or the implementation of security protocols.

Enhance collaboration. By analyzing data to enhance situational awareness, organizations realize improved cooperation between security stakeholders, including law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and private sector organizations. By sharing information and working together, these stakeholders can enhance their collective situational awareness and respond more effectively to security incidents.

Ultimately, situational intelligence aims to enhance safety and security and reduce the risk of security incidents. The road to situational intelligence does not happen overnight. There are several elements that help build a solid intelligence capability, including:

Technology. As an essential tool, technology will help automate manual security and analysis functions. Video analytics and artificial intelligence-based technologies gather data and analyze it on demand based on pre-defined parameters. AI algorithms can process large amounts of data from various sources to identify patterns and anomalies that may indicate a potential security threat. This information will help assess the situation and respond appropriately, quickly, and accurately. In addition, AI can also help with predictive analytics, allowing security personnel to anticipate and mitigate potential threats before they occur.

Private/public partnerships. Multi-agency collaboration bring together the resources, expertise, and specialized skills of the private and public sector, allowing for a more comprehensive and effective security operation. Public organizations realize streamlined security operations by utilizing private sector innovation, technology, and best practices, reducing costs, and improving efficiency. A clear framework for accountability, with private and public partners working towards common goals and be held accountable for their responsibilities, results in new levels of situational awareness.

Training and education. Finally, it is essential to ensure that security staff have the training and education to use the data that drives greater situational intelligence effectively. This can include training in data analysis, decision-making, and incident response, as well as in the use of technology and collaboration skills. Standard operating procedures are essential to implement as well so that all stakeholders know how to best respond when a security event occurs.

Situational intelligence is a critical component of modern security management. By anticipating potential threats, responding quickly and effectively to incidents, making informed decisions, and collaborating effectively with other security stakeholders, security staff can help to reduce risk and protect assets.

To build a robust situational intelligence capability, organizations must focus on data collection and analysis, use technology, encourage collaboration and information sharing, and provide ongoing training and education to security staff.

By taking these steps, organizations can ensure they have the situational intelligence they need to stay ahead of the threat landscape and effectively manage risk in an ever-changing security environment.

This article originally appeared in the March / April 2023 issue of Security Today.