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On April 18 in San Francisco, we gathered to discuss the security implications of the first 100 days of President Donald Trump\u2019s administration. It was a fascinating conversation, and we want to share our thoughts on the key points that emerged.<\/p>\n
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Panelists and guests repeatedly stated that uncertainty surrounding domestic and foreign policy has made it more difficult to conduct risk and threat assessments. Uncertainty complicates business decisions for our corporate leaders and creates additional risk for travelers and overseas staff. The possibility of increased military action in Asia and the Middle East has made it harder to assess \u201csafe\u201d overseas locations, and the possibility of new trade regulations complicates financial forecasts. Our corporate stakeholders are keenly aware of this uncertainty, but it remains our responsibility to communicate the degree to which our advice is based on data that is rapidly shifting. In addition, uncertainty leads to anxiety, and as security professionals it is our responsibility to remove some of that anxiety. We should avoid alarmist language and, in some cases, grand historical conclusions. Instead, we should inject some clear-minded thinking into the conversation.<\/p>\n
Leaving aside the partisan debate over whose news is \u201cfake news,\u201d all of us who deal in intelligence, threat assessment, risk, and security face an increasingly complex information environment. Sources of information, from digital media platforms to dark web chat rooms, are multiplying at an exponential rate. We face a challenge in determining which information is both reliable and important, as credibility and authenticity of sources become harder to measure. Sorting and assessing information requires more time, and our recommendations often need more caveats.<\/p>\n
Both panelists and guests noted that employees are increasingly demanding that their corporate leaders take a public position on controversial issues such as the \u201ctravel ban\u201d and proposed changes to the H1-B visa program. In addition, the increase in activity by domestic extremist groups, including online \u201ctrolls,\u201d has led many employees to seek greater support and, in some cases, protection from their organizations. Education and training about corporate resources for security and safety, as well as establishing and testing a crisis communications plan, are key elements in organizational preparedness.<\/p>\n