News

 

Following this week’s devastating terror attacks against an airport and metro station in Belgium, the U.S. Embassy in Brussels issued a security message for U.S. citizens informing them of the terrorism activity and increased police presence. Their message was clear and concise. They urged citizens to be aware of local events, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media developments, contact family and friends to update them on their safety, and, most importantly, take the appropriate steps to bolster personal security.

While this warning was specifically aimed at Americans in Belgium in the wake of these major attacks, its message has universal applicability. In today’s security environment, travelers must not only seek to maintain an appropriate level of security awareness but also proactively prepare to respond to potential incidents. These same principles of advance planning are used by the U.S. Secret Service and apply to both work related and personal travel. Additionally, preparedness should not be limited to terror attacks or other acts of targeted violence—such as the fatal stabbing of an American graduate student in Israel earlier this month— but also fire and medical emergencies, petty theft, and street crime.

 

To read the full article please go to: The Cipher Brief