The Restrata Blog

2017 has seen countless attacks on the general public around the globe, with attackers selecting locations considered "soft targets" as an easy option to cause maximum impact, not only by the physical damage generated, but also in terms of the media coverage, particularly across social media platforms. The personal stories from those present when an incident occurs, and the accompanying images and videos from such attacks spread like wild fire across social media, and instills real fear amongst the public. The incitement of fear is a core aim of such terror groups and at present, this trend shows no sign of stopping.

Earlier this month I spoke at the ASIS Breakfast Meeting hosted by Honeywell on the topic of securing infrastructure in 2030, covering what infrastructure might look like by 2030, the evolution of technology and how the good guys, and the bad guys might be using it.

Earlier this year, the NHS in the UK became a victim of cyber crime, when computers at hospitals and GPs surgeries around the country were among tens of thousands hit in almost 100 countries by malware that appeared to be using technology stolen from the National Security Agency in the US. The attack blocked access to any files on a PC until the demanded ransom is paid. This resulted in many hospitals having to cancel or delay treatment for patients.

What happens, then, when these two requirements conflict?

Drivers and personnel who have access to fuel can be tempted to steal it, causing an acute problem for organisations both large and small. The inability to monitor your fuel and prevent theft can lead to significant financial loss.

Around the globe, roads and highways can be a dangerous place, and the UAE is no exception. There were 675 deaths on the road in 2015, and this figure increased in 2016 to 725.

Recognising a need to improve safety standards on its roads, the UAE government has chosen to promote road safety and is committed to the reduction of traffic accidents and deaths, drawing inspiration from a decade-long global plan developed by the UN Road Safety Collaboration of World Health Organization.

Online shopping has altered consumer and business expectations around standard delivery times. As a result, Carriers face increased demands to transport goods faster and more reliably to complete more deliveries than ever before.

This, coupled with issues like driver shortages, fuel increases and roadworks or accidents causing diversions on our roads, creates an almost impossible situation for fleet operators. They must do more with less; more deliveries and miles with fewer drivers and trucks. At the same time, they must also battle the need to cut costs, comply with a host of regulations and face a range of daily hurdles that could prevent goods reaching their destination.

Around the globe, views on Business Continuity Management (BCM) vary, but quite often there is an idea that if a business is doing well, why would they need to invest time and money preparing for something that might never happened? Some businesses have a limited understanding of what BCM actually is,  which usually leads them to ask why they need to have BCM in place at all.

In a world where threat and risk profiles are constantly changing, it has never been more important for businesses to understand the key aspects of emergency planning, and have a plan in place should the worst happen.

Poorly maintained temperature control can lead to food and other perishable cargo being wasted in the supply chain, and as such, it is key for transportation companies operating in the UAE, where temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees celsius , to understand the value of reliable cold chain monitoring technology to support with the delivery of cooled food and pharmaceuticals to their clients.