Rethinking Security After Recent Events

The recent gunfire incident during former President Donald Trump's speech in Pennsylvania has sparked a global conversation about security. Trump was quickly escorted offstage by his security team, and the FBI confirmed he was safe, but this event raised important questions about the effectiveness of security measures.

In our industry, we often face a tough challenge. When nothing happens, we’re labeled as a waste of money; when incidents occur, critics wonder why safety wasn't ensured despite the costs. This dilemma was evident in discussions within a random private groupchat, where members chatted about everything from the U.S. elections to international news, including speculation about the shooter and on-site security shortcomings.

A: ...When security measures are tight, it’s like having personal bodyguards—people complain it affects business growth. But when the measures are relaxed, they say it’s just for show and lacks value…

B: Exactly! Finding a spy in a company is like questioning attendees at a meeting. When things are calm, they’re all “supporters” (good employees), but when a security incident happens and there are losses, they wonder why there wasn’t a strict check to identify the culprits (spy).

C: Hahaha! And when it comes to budgets, they always say there’s none. Why do they think just buying a security product or tool can solve all the problems? I mean, Trump has a bulletproof vest—what else does he need in terms of security?

John, a group member, made an interesting point: think of high-profile figures like Trump as valuable data, with their security being akin to data protection methods. This analogy resonates with many of us in the field.

When management asks why we need to invest heavily in security systems, the answer is straightforward: the goal is to protect valuable assets. Higher stakes mean greater risks, and that requires more investment and expertise in security. Just as we protect high-value data, we must ensure robust measures for prominent figures.

Ultimately, we need to communicate the importance of our work and highlight that safeguarding against risks is essential for both people and information.

01 Security Has No Silver Bullet

Security is not a one-time solution. Just as Trump’s security team requires multiple layers of protection, including perimeter security, personal bodyguards, and bulletproof vests, data security also needs multi-layered and multidimensional protective measures and strategies. Different types of data should be protected using tailored approaches; never apply the same method to safeguard all data.

02 There Is No Absolute Security, Only Improved Security

In the field of security, we often say, "there is no absolute security, only improved security." Every security product or measure aims to reduce risk, but absolute prevention of incidents is impossible. Even high-profile individuals, like Trump, cannot fully eliminate threats. This underscores the importance of continuous risk management and emergency planning. By being prepared, we can respond effectively to incidents and mitigate potential losses.

Some might jokingly suggest, "Let’s all wear Iron Man suits like Elon Musk." While the idea is amusing, the practicality is questionable. The cost, the commitment to never remove such a suit, and the cumbersome nature of it all make this impractical. Furthermore, if data exchange were completely halted, it could eliminate security issues—but at the significant cost of business efficiency and development.

Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and SpaceX, claimed he faced assassination attempts twice in the past eight months. He later suggested he might create a suit of Iron Man.

03 Understanding Security Incidents: A Comprehensive Approach

Addressing security incidents goes beyond immediate resolution; it requires a thorough investigation of the entire event. For example, the gunshot incident involving Trump. His security team must analyze the shooter's location, bullet trajectory, and other critical details to prevent future occurrences. Similarly, when enterprises face data breaches or other security incidents, a detailed analysis is essential.

By tracing the entire incident, organizations can identify mistakes and vulnerabilities, leading to the optimization of their security systems. This comprehensive approach not only resolves current issues but also fortifies defenses against future threats.

The Trump gunshot incident prompts us to reevaluate the essence of security. While security may not generate direct economic benefits, it reduces the probability and risk of losses. It is crucial for the survival and growth of businesses, as well as for our individual safety and trust—whether it's data or lives.