How a proactive risk assessment saved a major company
Early risk assessments and quick action saved a British manufacturing company from potential losses, operational disruptions, and impacts on their supply chain.
Our analysts were compiling a risk intelligence report when a specific threat captured their attention. This discovery initiated a series of events that clearly demonstrated to one of our clients how a proactive and intelligence-based security strategy can make a real difference.
Risk Assessments Revealed an Immediate Threat
Back in 2022, our Risk Intelligence Center (RIC) was preparing a routine report designed to enhance situational awareness of global events.
The report—accessible to companies subscribed to our Risk Intelligence service—highlighted an imminent threat to one of our clients, a multinational manufacturing company with a global supply chain. The client was poised to become a target for protests intended to disrupt production and distribution centers, thereby halting the delivery of perishable goods. The threat had potential operational, compliance, and fire safety implications.
It’s important to emphasize that protests are a fundamental legal and human right in most countries, and protests alone do not necessarily cause concern or pose a security risk. The threat stems from the protest actions, such as criminal damage, harassment, etc. Actions like these can pose risks to businesses, from jeopardizing employee well-being to potentially causing physical damage to property or resulting in operational disruptions—these types of risks were highlighted in the RIC's risk assessment report.
Although the client had not yet received our risk assessment service, we recognized the potential risk for the specific business and immediately acted to support them against the impending threats. Our RIC analysts contacted our internal sales team and urged them to take proactive steps to protect the client’s operations. The client then invited RIC analysts to participate in a meeting to explain the threat and review the risk assessment report.
Preventing Losses Through Quick Response
The company's security chief revealed that they had experienced a similar incident just two months earlier, resulting in a loss of £1.2 million due to supply chain disruptions. The client addressed the matter with their operations, legal, fire, and communications teams.
Equipped with RIC's risk assessment report, they initiated a comprehensive response, including making their customers and suppliers aware of the situation and increasing their security measures based on the specifics of the threat. They also engaged a third-party legal representative, who presented their findings to the High Court in London.
The court requested concrete evidence of the anticipated disruptive actions. In response, the client presented the RIC's risk assessment report, which included a comprehensive assessment of the specific threat. After reviewing the report, the High Court issued an injunction preventing any members of the protest group from entering the client’s property.
Although risk assessments cannot prevent such an incident from occurring, they can help businesses mitigate threats and potential risks. In this case, the client raised their security levels on the key dates identified by RIC. They also increased the number of patrol guards as part of their heightened preparedness. With improved security and a court order in place, our client felt confident they had taken all necessary precautions against the threat.
This not only helped the client minimize financial and compliance consequences but also protected their brand and reputation.
The Value of a Proactive Risk Assessment Approach
The incident highlighted the importance of using risk assessments for fundamental threat evaluations and ongoing risk monitoring. Subsequently, the client subscribed to our risk assessment service, which included continuous threat monitoring. This proactive approach also enabled them to detect other incidents, including potential insider threats and risks to their brand and reputation.
With rising global protests, businesses need to remain vigilant. Continuous monitoring, reporting, and real-time insights help enhance security by strengthening individuals' and businesses' ability to tackle future challenges.
Regardless of size, industry, or sector, all businesses can benefit from risk assessments. A proactive approach supported by risk assessments is crucial for staying one step ahead of potential threats. By investing in risk assessments, businesses can arm themselves with the insights they need to anticipate, mitigate, and effectively respond to security risks.
Discover how the Risk Intelligence Center (RIC) provides strategic analyses and real-time data to help you anticipate threats and make informed decisions. Access our comprehensive guide on risk assessment here.
Want to Learn More About How Your Business Can Access Risk Assessments?
Then contact one of our security experts. They are ready to advise you and your company on how to effectively implement risk assessments and which level of service best suits your business needs. Reach out to our experts via email or call them for a discussion about your requirements.
MobileFormPlacement
