SitRep: Recent Episodes
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SitRep examines the biggest security threats facing a post-pandemic world. We interview industry leaders as they cope with climate disasters, civil unrest and global power struggles. We also dig deeper into case studies and explain why it’s more important than ever to plan for a crisis.
Russia's war in Ukraine, climate change, and surge in post-pandemic demand have placed Europe, and the world, into a serious energy shortfall. In this INTEL REPORT, hosts MJ Banias and Tristan Field-Jones examine:
-The security impacts of a possible energy crisis.
-How bad this energy situation is going really get.
-How the cost of living affects public unrest and anxiety.
-What people and security professionals need to know in order to prepare.
GUEST: Khalid Shoukri, a national security researcher and real time crisis analyst with Samdesk. Some of his work can be found at: https://www.weeklyinternational.ca/ and you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalid-shoukri/
► Visit our website: https://www.samdesk.io
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► Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samdesk
Geomagnetic storms and electromagnetic pulse weapons sound like the stuff of science fiction but they are real and very dangerous. Earlier this year, forty Starlink internet satellites were destroyed by "solar wind." In this episode, we explain...
- What happens to the grid when an electromagnetic disruption occurs
- The fail-safes that should be in place to ensure a catastrophic failure doesn't plunge us into the dark ages
- How security professionals can get informed about electromagnetic pulses and plan for adverse space weather
GUEST: Robert Spalding, retired US Air Force general and CEO of Sempre
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
Over the last 2 months, North Korea has launched missiles over Japan, exchanged artillery fire with South Korea and fired several ballistic warheads into the Sea of Japan. In this Intel Report, hosts MJ Banias and Tristan Field-Jones examine:
- The effects North Korea's missile tests are having on stability and the economy in Asia.
- Is North Korea merely rattling its sabres?
- How security experts can keep their assets safe in the area.
- How real time monitoring can help mitigate risk as tensions continue to rise.
GUEST: Russ Tottenham, a real-time coverage analyst with Samdesk.
► Visit our website: https://www.samdesk.io
► Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/samdeskofficial
► Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samdesk
SitRep is a weekly podcast that examines the biggest security threats impacting our interconnected world. Hosted by Tristan Field-Jones and MJ Banias, we bring you insights from security practitioners dealing with geopolitical conflicts, civil unrest and climate disasters. We also take a closer look at current events and get expert perspectives on why they matter. Additionally, when a major crisis unfolds, we'll interview our intelligence analysts to discuss what’s happening and how you can prepare for the disruptions.
You can watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel.
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
The recent assassination of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the attempted murder of Argentinian Vice President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, highlight how important it is to have close protection. We explore how security professionals can go beyond reacting in the moment and look at...
- Online tools that keep VIPs safe
- Why a physical presence isn't the only way to be proactive
- Using digital information to determine threat levels
GUEST: Megan Gates, senior editor at Security Management Magazine
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
Many analysts believe that this could be the end of the Islamic republic, and now look at how the politics and security of the Middle East, as well as the rest of the world, will be forever altered should there be a regime change. In this INTEL REPORT, host MJ Banias examines the spillover effects caused by the protests and the security implications they are having on the region.
GUEST: Fatima Abo Alasrar is a Non-Resident Scholar at the Middle East Institute. More information on her work can be found here: https://www.mei.edu/profile/fatima-abo-alasrar and you can follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/YemeniFatima
► Visit our website: https://www.samdesk.io
► Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/samdeskofficial
► Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samdesk
As security practitioners constantly parse through mountains of data to keep locations safe, a new threat is emerging in the disinformation sphere - deepfake satellite imagery. The technology is no longer used just for impersonating celebrities and politicians. We'll explain...
- How satellite imagery is manipulated
- Why it'll be a big problem a few years from now
- Techniques you can use to debunk deepfake images
GUEST: Venessa Ninovic, intelligence researcher and OSINT analyst
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
In this special episode, hosts Tristan Field-Jones and MJ Banias dive into the security situation in Brazil as Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Jair Bolsonaro duke it out over the fate of the largest South American country. There have been threats of protests, violence and even a possible coup. However, is the hype actually warranted and what does this election mean for global security?
GUEST: Rozan Hammoud, intelligence analyst with samdesk's Real-Time Coverage team
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
In this INTEL REPORT, host MJ Banias dives into the booming tech sector on the African continent. With billions of dollars of investment, there is clear interest in the African tech market - but keeping all those investments, companies, logistical components, and people safe is a tricky business.
GUEST: Dr. Darren Kew, a professor and the Executive Director of the Center for Peace, Democracy, and Development at the University of Massachusetts in Boston. More information on Dr. Kew can be found here: https://www.umb.edu/cpdd and you can follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/darrenkew
► Visit our website: https://www.samdesk.io
► Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/samdeskofficial
► Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samdesk
In the era of artificial intelligence and machine learning, a lot of organizations are using programs to collect vast amounts of information available through open source intelligence. However, when automating vast amounts of data, there can be serious downsides. We examine...
- How OSINT will change over the next decade
- Best practices for automating data collection
- The importance of investing in personnel, even as technology becomes more sophisticated
GUEST: Justin Seitz, cybersecurity consultant, author and creator of the Hunchly app
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
In this special episode, hosts Tristan Field-Jones and MJ Banias dive into the recent movements of a Russian "nuclear train" and the disappearance of an advanced Russian submarine, which sparked a firestorm of news headlines. Is Russia actually ratcheting up the gears of its nuclear arsenal and if so, what does that mean for security around the globe?
GUEST: Tim McMillan, retired police lieutenant and investigative journalist for VICE, Popular Mechanics and The Debrief
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
The conflict in Yemen goes beyond the country's borders as the Houthi militia and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government find themselves at an impasse. As the death toll continues to rise- the Houthis have taken key locations that place them in a powerful position. In this INTEL REPORT on the Yemen conflict, we explore how vital international shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea can be affected, how the Houthis successfully use Iranian weapons to strike civilian targets in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and how the Houthis are using a looming environmental disaster as a bargaining chip.
It may not be immediately obvious from a security standpoint but ignoring diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging can be risky. We look at the business case for including such concepts in your security plans and...
- Why it matters now, more than ever, to be aware of a diverse customer base
- The proper strategies needed to incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
- How to implement changes at the workplace, even if you have limited resources
GUEST: Raven Solomon, keynote speaker, author and strategist
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
This is a conversation from the third and final day at GSX in Atlanta. Join Tristan Field-Jones and MJ Banias as they chat with Altaf Bora, Amanda Lewis and Scot Walker, each of whom are helping to build the metaverse. We take off the headsets and explore the physical security needed to protect online infrastructure and virtual worlds.
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
This is a conversation from the second day at GSX in Atlanta. Join Tristan Field-Jones and MJ Banias as they chat with Dan Yaross, director of protective services at Nationwide Children's Hospital and Marilyn Hollier, a healthcare security management expert. We examine the effectiveness of having armed security at hospitals.
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
This is a conversation from the second day at GSX in Atlanta. Join Tristan Field-Jones and MJ Banias as they chat with Mark Folmer, president of Robotic Assistance Devices. Looking to the future, we take a deep dive into robotics and how these machines influence the security of today and tomorrow.
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
This is our conversation from the first day at GSX in Atlanta. Join Tristan Field-Jones and MJ Banias as they chat with Steve Hernandez, CEO of The North Group. We dive into the dos and don'ts of putting together a global security operations centre (GSOC).
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
SitRep host Tristan Field-Jones along with MJ Banias, host of the Breakdown series, will be live streaming from the GSX conference in Atlanta. We preview the content you can expect over the coming days, as we talk to numerous security professionals who are experts in their field.
We'll be live on LinkedIn Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
For more information about samdesk, visit our website or follow us on Twitter.
Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning British monarch. Her passing will result in immense disruptions as millions of people from around the world travel to pay their respects. We examine...
- How airports will likely be severely congested
- The impact on business operations in London and the rest of the UK
- What security will look like at her funeral as numerous heads of state will be present
GUEST: Russ Tottenham, intelligence analyst with samdesk's Real-Time Coverage team
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
Transport for London oversees tens of thousands of vehicles, thousands of traffic lights and hundreds of kilometres of railways. How does such a massive organization maintain business continuity when so much is happening at once? We'll examine how one of the largest government agencies of its kind relies on innovation to manage a huge network. Plus we'll take a look at...
- How to partner up with other companies to find business continuity solutions
- The necessity of obtaining real time information
- Why you should keep track of all disruptions, including minor inconveniences
GUEST: Rikesh Shah, head of open innovation at Transport for London
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
As threats evolve, the stereotypical security detail surrounding a celebrity or politician is becoming less common. In fact, close protection is more of a thinking man's game nowadays. We'll dive deeper into why that's the case and examine...
- The importance of always being courteous, even during a tense situation
- The best ways to communicate with staff in the field
- Subtle deterrents that can make it safer when dealing with a crowd
GUEST: John McDermid, executive/close protection specialist for 25 years
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
Commercial drones are everywhere nowadays. But increasingly, some of these off-the-shelf vehicles are being equipped with makeshift weaponry, allowing them to become destructive. We chat with a military expert who's been studying unmanned aerial vehicles extensively. We also look into...
- Building awareness surrounding drones
- How to incorporate threats from above into security plans
- Steps to follow, should you deploy drones for commercial or security purposes
GUEST: Paul Lushenko, US Army lieutenant colonel and PhD student in international relations at Cornell University in New York
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
Drone sound effect from SoundEffectsFactory, used under a Creative Commons 3.0 license.
Extreme heat may not be as destructive as floods or storms but it's often far deadlier and the infrastructure impacts can be enormous. Are you prepared to deal with rolling blackouts and transportation delays as scorching temperatures become more common? We'll look at ways to cope with heat waves plus...
- The importance of including climate resiliency in business continuity plans
- The best communication practices when the mercury rises
- Why you should consider upgrading green and grey infrastructure
GUEST: Joanna Eyquem, managing director at the University of Waterloo's Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
Looting is one of the biggest concerns facing retailers as civil unrest becomes more violent. We chat with a security professional at a multinational luxury goods corporation and find out how she's navigating rising tensions around the world. Plus we dig deeper into...
- The complexity of supporting employees in regions with armed conflicts
- Lessons learned the hard way from unexpected crises
- Why it's important to share some security information with your competitors
GUEST: Gabrielle Berthelot, head of crisis management at Kering
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
We've learned so much about business continuity, disaster preparedness and crisis management thanks to the numerous experts who've been on the show. However, it's worth repeating key points of information as we continue dealing with security challenges brought on by an ever-changing world. This is a look back at the most insightful conversations on SitRep so far.
GUESTS
- Adam Conway, emergency management team lead at the University of Alberta
- Mitch Paquette, researcher at Amnesty International's Crisis Evidence Lab
- Mike Franklin, vice-president of risk management and community safety at Lions Gate Risk Management Group
- Erica Fleishman, director of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute and professor at Oregon State University
- Victor Medina, president and CEO of Delta Strategic Solutions
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
Monkeypox is spreading around the world, emerging as a possible health threat. However, the virus has been known to us for decades so why is it making headlines now? We examine everything we know about the disease so far including...
- The pandemic potential of monkeypox
- How to prepare your workplace, should the virus become more contagious
- Why we may be entering a new age of infectious diseases and pandemics
GUEST: Raywat Deonandan, global health epidemiologist at the University of Ottawa
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
When should you be concerned about a coworker who's showing changes in personality and behaviour? We examine at what point someone may become a real threat to themselves or others. We also look into...
- The insidious process that can push people toward extremism
- The best ways to intervene without making the situation worse
- Why you need to be aware of terrorism, even if the risk is very low
GUEST: Phil Gurski, former Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) analyst and CEO of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
If you want to tackle risks, you need to have careful planning and methodical procedures in place. However, one security professional with years of experience in law enforcement and the military tells us most organizations are reactive, not proactive when it comes to threats. We chat with him about why that could be a disaster waiting to happen. We also discuss...
- How proper environmental design creates secure spaces
- The importance of doing community safety assessments
- The five Ps that should be the foundation of your security strategy
GUEST: Mike Franklin, vice-president of risk management and community safety at Lions Gate Risk Management Group
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
Even if you don't live in a region prone to wildfires, you may be forced to deal with them as the planet warms. We talk to a wildfire and climate change expert about the increased security disruptions as flare-ups become more common. We also take a look at...
- Practical ways to prepare your team for wildfires
- Three factors to consider when assessing your risk to global warming
- Why the most powerful military in the world treats climate change like a national security threat
GUEST: Erica Fleishman, professor at Oregon State University and director of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
It can be difficult to separate fact from fiction during a crisis, especially when we have access to so much information. However, one prominent human rights organization is finding ways to cut through the noise and properly identify threats. We talk to a researcher about how he sorts through endless details while trying to get to the truth. Plus we dive into...
- How social media and a systematic workflow are essential for harnessing vast amounts of information
- What it's like coordinating a team across six different countries
- How you can take advantage of open source intelligence using tools available at your fingertips
GUEST: Mitch Paquette, researcher at Amnesty International's Crisis Evidence Lab
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
SitRep examines the biggest security threats facing a post-pandemic world. We interview industry leaders as they cope with climate disasters, civil unrest and global power struggles. We also dig deeper into real life case studies and explain why it’s more important than ever to plan for a crisis. You can also watch new episodes of the podcast biweekly on our Youtube channel.
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
Thousands are dead and millions are displaced as Russia unleashes destruction in Ukraine not seen since World War II. We talk to one security professional who's trying to keep people safe and informed in the middle of a brutal war zone. We also examine several key points about crisis management during an armed conflict including...
- The importance of ditching corporate language when reaching out to someone
- The best sources of information to use amidst a deluge of propaganda
- Why you should be preparing for the situation to get even worse
GUEST: Adam Conway, emergency management team lead at the University of Alberta, an institution with over 40,000 students in facilities around the world including Ukraine.
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
COVID-19 completely upended security strategies as the virus swept the globe. So how did a world-renowned university deal with the onslaught of rapidly changing information and how does the pandemic continue to impact security? We chat with someone who helped oversee the plans to keep tens of thousands of people safe. We also dive into other topics including...
- Four key pillars of effective crisis management
- Why mental health should be part of your security plans
- How increased delinquency could become a threat in the near future
GUEST: Adam Conway, emergency management team lead at the University of Alberta, an institution with over 40,000 students in facilities around the world. Adam will join us again in the next episode to discuss how he's managing security for students and staff in Ukraine.
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.
Welcome to the inaugural edition of SitRep! We chat with a professional who has decades of experience in personal protection and law enforcement. He examines the changing landscape of security and explains why it's crucial to understand risks, now more than ever. Plus, we cover several other topics including...
- Where are you supposed to get the right security information?
- How do you prepare for threats you may not even be able to see?
- Why is it important to treat security like a fire escape plan?
GUEST: Victor Medina, president and CEO of Delta Strategic Solutions, a company that focuses on security, investigations and intelligence.
For more information about samdesk, visit our website, follow us on Twitter or find us on LinkedIn.