2024 Security Director of the Year
Integrated Industrial Security Solutions.
GardaWorld offers a comprehensive, multi-service security approach for your industrial and manufacturing facilities, providing a wide range of solutions to meet your unique challenges.
By Neil Sutton
Get out there and see a show
Ijust got back from GSX in Orlando, and I’m experiencing the same mix of emotions most people do after a few solid days of meetings and walking a trade show floor.
A big one, of course, is fatigue. Clocking at least twice my usual step count is bound to take a toll, as is sleeping less than the ideal seven to eight hours a night.
I also find myself checking work email and managing tasks that just won’t wait till I’m back in the office. Time may be finite, yet we always find a way to squeeze a few more hours out of the workday when we’re on the road.
I know there will be a sleep deficit when it comes to travel and trade shows (and it doesn’t get any easier with the passing years) yet I regard GSX and the other major shows I attend annually as golden opportunities that cannot be replicated in any other format.
Conferences like GSX provide me with a litany of ideas that I can then turn into future articles or projects.
Whether it’s seeing a new technology release at an exhibitor booth, dropping by an education session or just casually conversing with another attendee, there are countless
sources of inspiration.
I typically build an itinerary before I leave for an event like GSX, yet it’s the surprises and unplanned encounters that make them so valuable.
I am constantly jotting down notes just to make sure I don’t forget anything when I get home again.
“The interactions you experience at these events directly translate into knowledge.”
Industry events are also social occasions and I will typically bump into a friend or contact I may only see once or twice a year (or, when attending ASIS Canada Night, a few hundred Canadian security professionals all in one room).
As a member of the media, my main goals are idea generation and content creation. For the overwhelming majority of people attending GSX and other industry events, they are likely seeking best practices and useful information they can later apply to their security departments.
Maybe they’re shopping for a new surveillance system or on a mission to find out more about a brand-new technology. Maybe they’ve earmarked a
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Martin Deslauriers: Providis
Services Conseils
Agnes Pienio-Ganthier: Amazon
Canada
Ken Doige: ESRM Solutions
Roxanne Krause: CN Tower
Danielle Weddepohl: Sheridan
College
Rowan Hamilton: Commissionaires Great Lakes
few education sessions that speak directly to their department’s challenges.
Our needs may be different, but in many ways the approach is the same. The interactions you experience at these events directly translate into knowledge.
I sometimes encounter people who have become jaded with industry events or find it difficult to justify the financial costs or time it takes to attend them. And it is true, there are always trade-offs.
Writing this, back at home, I am a little fatigued and have a pretty long to-do list to review, but I can’t imagine what I would I be giving up if I hadn’t gone to GSX.
Each of our Canadian Security Honours award recipients this year is an industry event veteran — they have all taken the steps beyond committed attendee to event organizers themselves. So, please, read their stories in this issue and be inspired.
If you’re on the fence about attending another conference, or if you’ve never even been to one, pick a date and pack your bags. You can always catch up on sleep on the weekend. | CS
Fall 2024 Vol. 46, No. 2 canadiansecuritymag.com
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By Jody Reid
Tim McCreight recognized at 30th anniversary Canada Night
Founded in 1955, ASIS International is a global community of security practitioners, each of whom has a role in the protection of assets — people, property, and/or information.
Represented in Canada by 10 chapters serving more than 2,000 individual members, there are over 100 Canadian volunteers who work to bring members and non-members alike access to local education and networking, and provide a vital connection to programs offered by ASIS International globally. ASIS Canada is not a chapter and does not run events, but exists to support two initiatives that are shared among all Canadian chapters. Those two initiatives are Canada Night and the Ron Minion Award.
CANADA NIGHT
This is ASIS Canada’s crown jewel, a much-anticipated networking event hosted on the eve of the GSX conference each year in the United States. This year, the 30th anniversary of Canada Night was held on Sunday, Sept., 22 at ICE Bar Orlando. Visit the ASIS Canada website (www.asiscanada.ca/canada-night) for pictures from the event and information on next year’s event in New Orleans.
RON MINION AWARD
The second major initiative of ASIS Canada is the presentation of the Ron Minion Canadian Security Pioneer Award. This award was established in 1999 to recognize the contributions of ASIS Canadian members who have distinguished themselves through their contributions to the growth and professionalism of the security industry. The security practitioners who initiated the award not only considered the contributions that individuals made to the Canadian security industry and to ASIS International in Canada, but also to ASIS International globally.
1999 – Ron Minion, CPP
2000 – Denis O’Sullivan, CPP
2001 – Patrick Bishop, CPP
2002 – Dennis Shepp, CPP
2003 – Phill Banks, CPP
2004 – Howard Moster, CPP
2005 – David Tyson, CPP
2006 – Roger Maslen, CPP
2007 – John Rankin, CPP
2008 – Gary Vikanes, CPP
2009 – John Grady, CPP
2010 – Greg Hurd, CPP
2011 – Chris McColm, CPP
2012 – Bill Bradshaw, CPP
2013 – Geoff Frisby, PCI, CPP
2014 – Christina Duffey, CPP
2015 – Dan Popowich, CPP
2015 – Dr. Wayne Boone, CPP
2016 – Patrick Ogilvie, PSP, CPP
2017 – Parnell Lea
2018 – Marie Thibodeau
2019 – William VanRyswyk, CPP
2020 - Stéphane Veilleux, CPP
2021 - Mark Folmer, CPP
2022 - Dr. Glen Kitteringham, CPP
2023 - Sloane Newton, CPP
2024 - Tim McCreight, CPP
Ron Minion, CPP, was the first recipient of the award in 1999. Ron was instrumental in bringing ASIS to Canada. He, along with others primarily in western Canada, worked tirelessly to establish the first chapter in Edmonton and then in Calgary. Sadly, Ron passed away after a courageous battle with ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
T his year, the Ron Minion Award was presented to ASIS past-president Tim McCreight, CPP, for his long and dedicated service to ASIS.
Tim was the third Canadian to serve as volunteer president of the association and has been a committed ASIS volunteer for over three decades.
Tim was presented with the award at Canada Night in Orlando.
At a future chapter event in Calgary, Tim will be formally presented with “The Bear,” a soapstone carving of a polar bear that has all the names of the past winners inscribed on its base. | CS
Jody Reid, CPP, is administrator/director for ASIS Canada.
ASIS Canada director Jason Caissie, CPP, PSP, PCI (left) with Ron Minion Award winner Tim McCreight, CPP
Ron Minion Award winners
Trending
By Neil Sutton
IACLEA appoints first Canadian president in more than 50 years
Rob Kilfoyle will become the president of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) next year, making him the first Canadian to assume the role in more than five decades.
Kilfoyle, who is also the director of public safety and emergency management at Toronto-based Humber College, is a long-term member of IACLEA, currently serving on the organization’s board as Canadian regional director.
He was appointed to the role of president-elect in August following the retirement of another board member and will become president next year.
This is a major step forward for the organization, notes Kilfoyle, which has traditionally elected Americans to the presidency. IACLEA, which originally formed in 1958 at Arizona State University, has taken strides in recent years to foster more participation outside the U.S. IACLEA already has a robust membership in Canada, with 32 Canadian education institutions
canadiansecuritymag.com @SecurityEd
participating and more expected to join. IACLEA currently has more than 9,000 individual members across 31 countries, including a recent chapter addition in Macedonia. IACLEA’s collective membership serves more than 20 million students globally.
Kilfoyle says the appointment of a Canadian president is “a good news story for Canada but it also demonstrates a new way forward” for IACLEA. “The association has made a concerted effort over the last number of years” to embrace a more international perspective, he says.
H e says one of his goals as president, while representing all members, will be to strengthen both international and Canadian membership in IACLEA. He notes that all IACLEA members find the exchange of information and best practices through conferences and online forums to be beneficial within their own security departments.
Kilfoyle has also spearheaded an effort to “Canadianize” IACLEA’s accreditation to more closely reflect laws and standards applicable to Canadian schools. “We’ve received interest from a number of institutions across Canada to start taking on the process [of accreditation].”
Kilfoyle’s term as president will officially commence at IACLEA’s next annual conference, scheduled to take place in Atlanta in June 2025.
In addition to his work with IACLEA, Kilfoyle is active in several other associations, such as ASIS International and the Ontario Association of College & University Security Administrators (OACUSA). He was named as Canadian Security’s Security Director of the Year in 2019. | CS
Coming Events
OCTOBER 22-23, 2024
DEMCON Toronto, Ont. crtdemcon.ca
OCTOBER 22-24, 2024
Sector Toronto, Ont. www.sector.ca
OCTOBER 23-24, 2024
Security Canada Central Toronto, Ont. www.securitycanada.com
OCTOBER 24, 2024
PBSA Canada Council Conference Toronto & Vancouver www.thepbsa.org
OCTOBER 29, 2024
Career Expo West Edmonton, Alta. www.careerexpowest.ca
NOVEMBER 19-21, 2024
ISC East New York, N.Y. www.isceast.com
DECEMBER 3, 2024
Focus on Healthcare Security Toronto, Ont. www.canadiansecuritymag.com
DECEMBER 4-6, 2024
The Buildings Show Toronto, Ont. informaconnect.com/the-buildingsshow
MARCH 31 - APRIL 4, 2025
ISC West Las Vegas, Nev. www.iscwest.com
APRIL 30, 2025
Security Canada East Laval, Que. www.securitycanada.com
JUNE 11, 2025
Security Canada West Richmond, B.C. www.securitycanada.com
JUNE 16-19, 2025
IACLEA Annual Conference & Expo Atlanta, Ga. www.iaclea.org
Rob Kilfoyle, IACLEA
IACLEA currently has more than 9,000 individual members across 31 countries.
Risk Perspective
By Tim McCreight
The impact of culture
In today’s complex organizational landscape, the effectiveness of a security program isn’t determined by the tools, technologies or even the strategies employed.
One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, factors that can make or break a security program is the organizational culture.
Culture, the shared values, beliefs and behaviours within an organization, has a profound impact on how security is perceived, implemented and maintained across the enterprise. Understanding this impact is essential for security leaders, especially when we work within the framework of Enterprise Security Risk Management (ESRM) and Organizational Resilience (OR).
Culture is a double-edged sword in the context of security programs. A positive security culture — where employees are aware of security risks, understand the importance of their roles in maintaining security, and are actively engaged in safeguarding the organization’s assets — can truly enhance the effectiveness of a security program. In these organizations, security is seen as a shared responsibility, and employees are more likely to follow security protocols, report suspicious activities and embrace security initiatives. Unfortunately, we’re not at a place yet where this is the majority.
A culture that acts negatively towards security will undermine even the most robust security measures. In organizations where security is seen as a burden or where there is a lack of trust between employees and security teams, there is a higher likelihood of non-compliance with security policies, increased insider threats, and a general disregard for security protocols. Such cultures create vul-
Tim McCreight is the CEO and founder of TaleCraft Security (www.talecraftsecurity.com).
nerabilities that can be exploited by external and internal threats alike.
“Culture can either support or undermine a security program.”
I’ve written about Enterprise Security Risk Management for a few years now in this column. We know ESRM is not just about identifying and mitigating risks; it’s about embedding security into the fabric of the organization, ensuring that it supports the overall business goals and enhances Organizational Resilience. Organizational Resilience refers to an organization’s ability to anticipate, prepare for, respond to and recover from disruptive events. A resilient organization is one that can maintain its operations and continue to deliver value even in the face of significant challenges. ESRM plays a crucial role in supporting OR by providing a structured approach to managing security risks that could impact the organization.
While ESRM provides the framework for managing security risks and supporting OR, culture is the force that drives how effectively this framework is implemented. A culture that prioritizes security and fosters open communication between security teams and other departments is essential for the successful implementation of ESRM. In such a culture, security is not seen as a standalone function but as an integral part of the
organization’s operations. I f the organizational culture doesn’t support ESRM — with elements such as collaboration, transparency and a proactive approach to risk management — then even the best-designed security programs can fail. If there is a cultural divide between the security team and other departments, it will lead to siloed operations, where security risks are not communicated or addressed. This can weaken the organization’s overall resilience, as security vulnerabilities can go unnoticed or unresolved.
Culture is a powerful force that can either support or undermine a security program. By understanding the impact of culture and actively working to cultivate a positive security culture, organizations can enhance the effectiveness of their security programs, better implement ESRM and ultimately strengthen their OR.
Security is not just a technical challenge but a cultural one. This requires a holistic approach that integrates culture into the very heart of the security strategy. Our role as security professionals must now include understanding the impact of culture and our role in shaping the perception of security. | CS
Industry View
By Winston Stewart
Supporting guards’ career journeys
The Canadian security industry holds the potential to not only safeguard businesses and communities but also to foster the careers of its employees.
And while many security guards aspire to roles in law enforcement or corporate security, others see long-term growth within their companies. By supporting these ambitions — both internal and external — security firms can foster a culture of development, attract top talent, and solidify their reputation as industry leaders.
UNDERSTANDING CAREER ASPIRATIONS
Security guards often see their position as a gateway to careers in law enforcement or protective services, aspiring to transition into roles within policing, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), or senior corporate security positions. Security firms can either choose to disregard these aspirations or embrace them, supporting their guards and benefiting their own operations in the process.
A lthough supporting the long-term career goals of security guards may appear counterintuitive — potentially resulting in the loss of employees to other sectors — the benefits definitely outweigh the risks. By creating an environment that values personal and professional development, security companies are more likely to attract motivated individuals, increase employee retention, and enhance
“Supporting the long-term career ambitions of guards provides clear and tangible benefits.”
their public image as forward-thinking organizations.
STRATEGIES FOR SUPPORTING AMBITIONS
Training and skills development: The foundation of any career is skills development. Security companies should prioritize offering comprehensive training programs that not only meet regulatory requirements but also extend beyond them. For guards aiming to transition into law enforcement or corporate security, additional training in advanced surveillance techniques, conflict resolution, legal protocols and risk management can be crucial.
Mentorship programs are another valuable tool. Pairing less experienced guards with seasoned professionals who have worked in other sectors of the security industry offers guards valuable insight into
these career paths. Through these relationships, guards can receive the practical advice and guidance they need to advance in their careers.
Education partnerships: Forming partnerships with post-secondary institutions and specialized training academies can also benefit security companies. Colleges and universities often offer certificate programs in policing, criminal justice and security management, which align with the career goals of many security guards. By facilitating access to these educational opportunities, security firms can help guards enhance their qualifications while simultaneously building a more skilled workforce.
Companies that provide clear pathways to post-secondary education and professional development also stand out as supportive employers, a key
factor in recruiting and retaining top talent.
Flexible career pathways: Because career trajectories within the security industry can vary, companies that offer flexible career pathways are better positioned to nurture employee ambitions. While some employees may eventually leave, others may choose to stay put if they see opportunities for advancement within their current company.
Establishing clear routes of progression — from entry-level positions to supervisory roles or specialized services such as cybersecurity — helps security guards visualize their future within the organization. This not only increases retention but also contributes to the development of a more experienced and capable workforce.
Networking and industry connections: The security industry is deeply interconnected with law enforcement, corporate security and border services. Companies that cultivate relationships with local police forces, national agencies, and major corporations can provide their guards with valuable networking opportunities.
By hosting industry events or encouraging participation in seminars, conferences and training hosted by law enforcement agencies, security companies can help guards build the professional connections needed to advance their careers. Companies should see themselves as facilitators of these connections, playing an active
Winston Stewart is the president and CEO of
role in their employees’ career development.
THE BENEFITS TO SECURITY COMPANIES
Supporting the long-term career ambitions of security guards provides clear and tangible benefits to security companies. The most obvious impact is on recruitment. In a competitive labour market, candidates are more likely to join organizations that offer career development opportunities rather than simply a job. By promoting a commitment to employee growth, security companies position themselves as employers of choice for individuals with serious ambitions
in security-related fields.
Fostering career growth also boosts employee morale. Guards who feel supported by their employer are likely to perform better, remain with the company longer and deliver higher-quality service. Even when employees move on, they often leave with a solid impression of the company, acting as informal ambassadors for the firm in their future endeavours. Positive word of mouth is an excellent way to bolster a company’s reputation.
BUILDING A POSITIVE CORPORATE IMAGE
S ecurity firms that prioritize employee growth are viewed
as reputable and socially responsible, a factor that can differentiate them from competitors. This positive perception makes a company more attractive to both potential employees and clients, particularly those who value corporate social responsibility and ethical business practices.
C lients are more likely to trust security companies that demonstrate a commitment to training, education and skill-building for their employees. A well-trained, highly motivated team translates into improved security outcomes for clients, fostering stronger business relationships and contributing to
overall company growth. I nvesting in the career growth of security guards isn’t just a perk — it’s a smart business move. It not only helps guards achieve their goals but also strengthens recruitment, retention and service quality. Companies that take this forward-thinking approach show they’re committed to both their employees’ futures and their clients’ needs. And while some guards may move on to other opportunities, those who invest in their people will consistently attract and retain top talent, leaving a lasting impact on the company along the way. | CS
Maximizing security and connectivity with ICT SHOWCASING SMART BUILDINGS
There are many areas where Canada sits near the top of world rankings, and interest in smart home devices is just another example of this. In fact, according to Google Trends, only Singapore, the Philippines, and Germany show a higher level of interest. But what about those in apartments. Should multifamily dwellers miss out on the advantages smart buildings bring?
Of course, safety is still paramount, as security plays a crucial role in housing decisions. But it doesn’t need to come at the expense of other advantages that a connected building brings.
In fact, the willingness of most Millennials to pay more for residences equipped with smart apartment features such as electronic access and keyless entry systems, means there’s a great opportunity to sell developers and property managers on a solution that is not only safe and secure, but also smart.
A true one card solution
Protege GX from ICT is well proven in the MDU space, securing buildings right across Canada for two decades. With the release of Protege Wireless Locks, its ability to provide integrated access, intrusion, and building automation from the perimeter to the penthouse is further enhanced.
By bringing Protege Wireless Locks into a multifamily solution, now there’s no more juggling multiple keys or cards. Tenants can get from the parking garage into the lobby, and through their front door with one credential that works for both wired and wireless doors – a true one card solution for both physical and mobile credentials.
Taking it on the road
We recently set off across the country with the ICT Smart Building Showcase, giving everyone from security technicians through to property managers and architects a chance to see the new Protege Wireless Locks and get hands on with the new tech and see how easy they are to install and configure.
has succeeded as the LED flashes blue and lock reboots - then normal operation can begin.
Easy setup with the Protege Config App
As offline wireless locks are not actively connected to Protege, all programming and data must be transferred from the software to the lock. Thankfully, setting up Protege Wireless Locks is easy with the Protege Config App (available for iOS and Android).
Greg Hebner, Product Manager - Wireless Locks at ICT says, “We know techs don’t have time to spare on site, so we designed the config process to be as quick and intuitive as possible. It’s the same app and functionality you’ll be used to from setting up our tSec card readers.”
There are only 8 steps needed to configure and update a Protege Wireless Lock. And you also get visual confirmation the update
Integrating for additional connectivity
Once you’re setup with wireless locks, you can layer on additional functionality with integrations between Protege GX and partners like Mosino One who provide their unique blend of easy-to-use digital concierge services like parcel and delivery management, smart home technology, and property management services.
Safe, smart, and secure
Using Protege Wireless locks as part of an ICT Protege GX system means you can really unlock all the benefits a unified multifamily security system brings. And by solving more problems thanks to integrations like Mosino One, it’s clear you’ve made a safe, smart choice.
Introducing ICT’s new Protege Wireless Locks, where modern design meets advanced security. Just one credential is needed for simple access from the perimeter to the penthouse. With wireless and hardwired doors, visitor entry, mobile app, and more – ICT has the complete multifamily solution. Cartridge mortise and deadbolt available to order now.
Pat Alvaro Senior Vice President, Canada
COMMUNITY MINDED
Kirsty
Bradley-McMurtrie
places a high value on openness and collaboration, creating a security portal for Conestoga
By Neil Sutton
Th e old saying goes, approachable managers have an opendoor policy.
K irsty Bradley-McMurtrie doesn’t have a door. Or an office. She sits up front with her security team and is on campus five days a week.
For Bradley-McMurtrie, the concept of an open door means the entire security department is easily accessible to the Conestoga College community it serves. “We’re really that friendly face that you can come and talk to,” she says.
With this ideology in mind, Bradley-McMurtrie recently spearheaded a project to essentially place the college’s security department online via a secure Microsoft SharePoint portal, making it easier and more convenient for Conestoga staff to access a wide variety of information and services.
In recognition of this initiative, along with her long track record of leadership, project management and volunteerism, Canadian Security’s editorial advisory board selected Bradley-McMurtrie as the recipient of the 2024 Security Director of the Year Award, sponsored by WESCO. Bradley-McMurtrie joined Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont.-based Cones-
College staff
toga College as its security director in 2014. She was previously an area vice-president with Securitas Canada, having spent more than 10 years with the organization, initially as a frontline guard, then working her way up to senior management through a series of promotions. Prior to that, she was a student herself at Conestoga, taking a combined diploma in law and security administration.
R eturning to Conestoga years later as its security leader felt like a natural fit, says Bradley-McMurtrie, who also grew up in the Region of Waterloo. “It was an honour to come back and be a part of the community that gave me opportunities.”
SECURITY ONLINE
Conestoga’s main campus, Doon, is located in Kitchener, but its property sprawls across 11 other campus locations, covering five different Ontario municipalities. Each location has a security presence — a mix of in-house and contract security guards for a combined team of more than 130.
In her decade at the Conestoga security department, Bradley-McMurtrie has emphasized a decentralized approach. She could be on one of several of the campuses on
any given day, depending on her schedule or to address needs that may arise.
The campuses are connected via a security communications centre, located in an off-site administration building. The centre enables instant radio communication as well as direct access to surveillance systems on all campuses.
Security’s presence and visibility at Conestoga is a priority for Bradley-McMurtrie. The department makes itself available for meetings across campus, supports charitable and volunteer causes alongside students, and provides security presentations to anyone who requests them. Bradley-McMurtrie, typically clad in jeans and sneakers, is a well-known figure, meeting regularly with the Student Union to hear their feedback and offer support where needed.
“I’m very big on being transparent, so people know what we’re working on and dealing with,” says Bradley-McMurtrie.
An expanded virtual presence was a natural extension of her management style and the security department’s role in campus life. It was also somewhat of a necessity. While security maintains a physical presence around the clock, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic many of Conestoga’s staff now keep a hybrid timetable, working from home part of the time.
T he security SharePoint site, which launched in May of this year, now acts as a central resource for staff members, regardless of where
“I’m very big on being transparent, so people know what we’re working on and dealing with.”
— Kirsty BradleyMcMurtrie, Conestoga College
they are.
“ How do we touch the staff at home to make them still feel like they’re part of the college community? Even though they’re working remotely, we’re still here to support them.... Even when you’re at home, we can build a safety plan for you,” she says.
Using the site, staff can now conveniently request security services, including CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) audits, the college’s WalkSafe program, and even self-defence classes.
The site also offers access to detailed safety plans and, in keeping with Bradley-McMurtrie’s commitment to transparency, security statistics. Provided without identifying details, stats on occupational safety incidents and security occurrences are available via the portal and updated monthly.
T he site was developed in co-operation with various stakeholders across the college, and also integrated with some of the college’s other systems, such as its Omnigo reporting tools. Training sessions were provided to ensure the portal’s
“She’s one of those leaders that can naturally and fluidly handle the conversation.”
— Dean Bulloch, Conestoga College
intended user base could become familiar with it quickly.
Feedback, based on the site’s first four months of operation, has been overwhelmingly positive, says Bradley-McMurtrie. It has proved its usefulness on several occasions, particularly during a “hold and secure” event that took place in June on the Doon campus.
RISK PORTFOLIO
The security industry has changed drastically in Bradley-McMurtrie’s 20-plus years of involvement, both in the types of incidents security
Kirsty Bradley-McMurtrie joined Conestoga College as security director in 2014. She recently expanded her responsibilities at Conestoga, taking on the college’s risk portfolio.
Volunteering with OACUSA
Keen to engage with other like-minded security professionals, Kirsty BradleyMcMurtrie has volunteered with several security associations during her career, most notably the Ontario Association of College & University Security Administrators (OACUSA). She was introduced to the organization when she first started at Conestoga College as security director a decade ago, attending one of its annual conferences in London, Ont.
“I was extremely impressed,” she says. “I wanted to take a more active role, because I thought I could contribute some new ideas.”
Bradley-McMurtrie joined the OACUSA board as secretary, then treasurer, before being elected board president in 2016 for a two-year term.
Josh Fortier, director of campus safety and emergency management at Sheridan College, is currently serving as an OACUSA vice-president. He says he first met BradleyMcMurtrie at an OACUSA conference in 2017 while she was serving as president and found her to be immediately welcoming.
“The offer was extended right away — ‘If you ever need anything, let me know,’” he says, adding that she has garnered a reputation in the college and university security community as someone who is willing to help and mentor others. “She is someone who I would definitely want to have on my side.”
Bradley-McMurtrie says the experience of volunteering with OACUSA has given her a better understanding of security issues faced by education institutions across the province. Together, association members can pool their knowledge and best practices, giving everyone the opportunity to benefit.
“It’s a fantastic organization that I’m proud to have been a part of. They’ve done some amazing work,” she says.
professionals encounter and their methodology for dealing with them.
In her decade at Conestoga, she has noticed a number of changes. For example, there is a greater awareness of the role that mental health plays in security incidents. There are also more cybersecurity-related issues, and complications that can arise from hosting student classes and testing online.
Physical security used to be its own separate discipline, she says: protect the people and protect the premises. Today, security is part of a much larger mosaic of concerns that includes risk, cyber-risk, emergency management and privacy.
In July of this year, the college elected to merge its corporate risk and security departments, appointing Bradley-McMurtrie as executive director of both.
D ean Bulloch, senior vice-president and secretary general to the board of governors at Conestoga, recommended the appointment.
Working with Bradley-McMurtrie, he “got a really keen sense [of] her ability to navigate uncertainty and her assessment of risk as she’s dealing with different situations,” he says.
“ I felt that she would be a natural successor to move into the governance of risk and expand her portfolio. It’s definitely a warranted promotion, but it’s also a growth opportunity for her as well, to expand her leadership and stewardship within the organization.”
B radley-McMurtrie says she c ould never have imagined dealing with issues like cyber risk, travel risk and emergency response plans as a newcomer to security decades ago, but her role has evolved to encompass those today.
“ When you think about the leadership attributes she brings to the table, she’s one of those leaders that can naturally and fluidly handle the conversation,” says Bulloch, adding the new role is “a nat-
ural expansion of her capabilities and her ability to lead.”
MENTORSHIP
While Bradley-McMurtrie’s responsibilities have expanded, she is still very mindful of what it means to be a security guard and checks in with her staff daily. “It’s so important that they feel valuable as part of the team ... even if it’s just getting them a coffee,” she says.
Mentorship is fundamental to her approach to security. As a Conestoga alumni who got her start as a guard, she tries to hire as many Conestoga security graduates as possible for her team — including her own daughter Keeleigh, who is working in the security department while she completes her police foundations diploma.
“ It’s so important to me to mentor people and get out into the community and talk about what security is,” she says. “Security is an amazing, interesting world. There’s so many avenues and opportunities that you should really explore.” CS
The Welcome Centre at Conestoga College’s Doon Campus in Kitchener, Ont.
Tackling technology trends
Canadian Security recently hosted a roundtable discussion with industry leaders to discuss some of the latest trends in technologies taking place within the security industry.
Sponsored by GardaWorld Security Systems, the roundtable was comprised of Doug Sales, Senior Director, Commercial Sales, GardaWorld Security Systems; Chris Strong, Senior Director, MSU (Mobile Surveillance Units), GardaWorld; Nathan Drew, National Sales Manager, Axis Communications Canada; and Scott Young, National VicePresident, GardaWorld Security Systems.
Members of the roundtable discussed topics such as how technology is enabling the end user to improve their security operations and situational awareness; how technology enables the user to address operations beyond risk and security measures; how technology delivery models have changed the way companies budget for and manage security systems; addressing pain points; the evolution of security training; and the future of hybrid security models.
Optimizing operations
Young started the roundtable discussion by discussing how clients are looking to the latest technologies, including AI, to help manage man hours.
“More and more clients are asking for implementation of technology to reduce man hours, not to eliminate guard hours necessarily, but to augment the managed security team,” he said. “What’s exciting for us is that it’s in-house artificial intelligence that’s being built by Garda’s IT department in Montreal. We’re able to build custom AIs to our client solutions to fill any gaps that might exist. We have had many cases now where we can implement technology and reduce guard hours to maximize the efficiency of the security program”
“What’s exciting for us is that it’s in-house artificial intelligence that’s being built by Garda’s IT department in Montreal. We’re able to build custom AIs to our client solutions to fill any gaps that might exist.”
- Scott Young, National Vice-President, GardaWorld Security Systems
Drew added that manufacturers need to maintain their leadership in the marketplace by offering their clients the latest innovative technologies.
“We want to make sure that everything that we’re coming up with is extremely innovative. Being the company that created the IP camera back in 1996, we want to ensure that we are offering to not only our integrator partners like GardaWorld, but to the end users, the best product that they can get to market,” he said.
One technology gaining popularity is GardaWorld’s mobile surveillance units (MSUs), which utilize the latest in AI technology and are equipped with Axis cameras, as well as its own in-house analytic engines.
“We’re developing analytics to
add to what Axis is doing,” Strong said. “Where they’ve gone and done crossline detection or people detection, we’re adding to that with the flexibility that we get from an Axis camera. We can do vehicle recognition; logos on vehicles; licence plate recognition. We can make sure the seal is on the back of trucks. So, we’re using that to enhance the user experience, not just relying on our partners.”
Beyond traditional security
The panel was asked how today’s technology enables the user to address operations beyond risk and security measures.
Young started off the discussion by stating that health and safety policy enforcement is a natural extension of the services that GardaWorld provides. He said with the use of today’s cameras combined with available access and analytics, companies like his can now assist with things like PPE compliance on a construction site, for example.
“It can tell when someone is wearing a vest, if someone is wearing a hard hat, especially on a construction site where this is a health and safety requirement,” he said. “If someone’s not wearing proper PPE, that alert gets sent to the security operations centre or to a guard cell phone, they can then respond and enforce the PPE policy.”
Axis is currently in the process of developing chipsets, optimizing what the company can do at the edge of the camera.
“Taking that information and processing it at the edge is becoming more and more prevalent,” Drew said. “The more that you can do at the edge, the less space you need on a server, the less transmission you need. We’re taking those things like PPE analytics and putting them on the camera, so all the processing is done there instead of a server. For us, it is about building beyond security.”
Services like GardaWorld’s MSU deployment allow for security services to be offered in more remote areas where people didn’t traditionally have an option for placement of security cameras for security or safety purposes.
“They were too far out of reach from a metropolitan area. The compounds would be too large for cabling and infrastructure to be put in place to put in cameras for monitoring,” Sales explains. “Now with a portable solution that is ‘Canadianized’ to our harsh environment, places that couldn’t be protected or
monitored, now can be.”
One example of where MSUs are having a major impact is in large airport parking lots, where vehicles are often the targets of thieves.
“A lot of vehicles were being stolen from a Class 1 airport in Western Canada in the outskirts of these surface lots where they can’t get power, they can’t get data. It was just target-rich environment for the thieves. So, we deployed last summer a pilot of two MSUs into very targeted service lots, and we saw dramatic reduction in theft of vehicle and catalytic converter theft and incidents happening in the that specific lot,” Young explained.
He added that airport management was so impressed by the results that they added more than 10 MSUs across all of their service lots.
“We’ve seen a 92-per-cent reduction in incidents happening in the parking lots there in the first six months of 2024 compared to the last six months of 2023 and law enforcement has arrested the top 5 vehicle theft criminals in the area thanks to our footage. The MSUs completely solved the problem” Young said.
Delivery models
When asked if technology delivery models (SaaS, cloud) have changed the way security companies budget for and manage security systems, Drew said that Axis has seen a need from its customers to come out with new cloud offerings.
“This year we’ve released Axis’ first cloud product. It’s not fully released until the end of this year, but we came up with Axis Pro at ISC West this year,” he said.
Drew added that it is important to understand what the end user needs and their cloud expectations.
“Some people want redundant storage in the cloud. Some people want full storage in the cloud. What I think it is going to end up being is a lot of hybrid workplaces. You’re going to see a lot of on-prem still, but you’re also going to see redundant storage in the cloud, maybe storage on an SD card on site, going full cloud. I think for the most part, we’re going to see a hybrid,” he said.
Pain points
One of the pain points for security professionals discussed during the roundtable was managing drones as part of a solution for the end user.
Young said that drone technologies are improving, particularly the battery life of the units. Now that there is the option to have remote pilots, they are becoming a more reasonably priced solution.
“It wasn’t really cost effective to have one security guard or SOC operator flying the drone 24/7. But with automated flights and analytics on edge in the camera on the drone, you can have remote pilots managing multiple flight paths across anywhere in Canada,” he said. “The ROI discussion becomes a lot more interesting
“We’re developing analytics to add to what Axis is doing”
- Chris Strong, Senior Director, MSU (Mobile Surveillance Units)
when you’ve got one operator managing multiple different drones. We’re also seeing requests for anti-drone technology.”
Another technology discussed that is a hot topic for debate in many circles is facial recognition. Young says this solution is getting deployed more often now at post-secondary universities when there is protest activity.
“A lot of the protestors are not even students, they’re professional agitators. We want to know when those people come on site as quickly as possible,” he said. “It’s difficult to impossible to expect the security guards to memorize the faces of all these people that have had interactions with the past. The cameras can do that for them.”
Another way technology is assisting security professionals is through anti-loitering solutions for places like retail shopping centres.
“We’ve got opportunity now to deploy technologies – talk-down speakers, multiple cameras and active monitoring – so that you know your guard isn’t walking into that,” Sales said.
Body-worn cameras for security professionals was also discussed as potential solution for end-users.
“We’ve started to deploy these more to our officers across the country, and in some pilot cases where we’re having a lot of interactions with individuals looking to interact in a negative way with security, we’ve seen a 40-per-cent reduction in incidents of assault against security officers after deployment of body cams,” Young said.
When it comes to gunshot detection, a number of hybrid solutions are being utilized for cost effectiveness and are able to do a number of things like behavior detection, hostile language detection.
“We’re seeing a lot of deployment of that
in schools and institutions where, traditionally, gunshot detection was for malls,” Sales said.
Strong added that GardaWorld is looking at implementing technology where they can notice if somebody has a gun or a knife in their hand.
“Right now, we’re doing it just with pistols and riflesto try to be proactive and not wait for the gunshot but determine that somebody has something in their hand that would cause an alert for the operator,” he said.
Evolution of training
When it comes to offering the latest technologies to security professionals, it is not effective if the guards aren’t trained to use the technology properly, Young said.
“You need to train the security guards on utilizing the technology as best as possible,” he said. “A lot of end users also have these complex, very sophisticated video management systems, and they’re not using them to their full capability. So, that comes down to integrator training of the end users in the final commissioning so that they’re getting what they’re paying for, and they’re optimizing the utilization of their system. Additionally, and particular at GardaWorld, we can use our Integrator expertise to train the guards and SOC Operators utilizing the system.”
Axis offers its clients a two-day course called, “Axis Certified Professional,” to assist with ensuring their customers have the knowledge necessary to utilize their technologies effectively.
“We encourage all of our integrators to do it,” Drew said. “We encourage end users to take it as well. It’s something that we constantly update. We encourage everybody to take it.”
The future is hybrid
When asked what they think is the future of hybrid security models, Young replied that he sees a lot of interest in the use of MSUs to complement security personnel.
“Instead of having five guards per shift, you can go with three guards per shift and five MSUs. You can realistically get about six MSUs for the cost of one guard, 24/7, so from a situational awareness perspective that’s a lot better bang for your buck,” he said.
While there will always be a need for guard response, Young sees a lot of reduction in manpower taking place, augmented by technology (particularly the MSUs), working together as an integrated security model.
“The benefit is that you have fewer, but better trained, better compensated guards that are augmented by technology,” he said. “So, instead of paying close to minimum wage, as a lot of sites do across the country, you can pay a premium because you have less billable hours, less cost to clients. You can have better trained guards, better stability, better retention through a more effective, technology-enabled program.” •
AI: friend or foe?
Cybersecurity experts assess the potential threats posed by generative AI while identifying how it may be used to fortify networks and help organizations
By Christine Wong
Atopic of interest and debate for the last few years, generative AI has also been regarded as a potentially serious cybersecurity threat.
At the start of this year, the World Economic Forum issued a grim warning that “threat actors will take the upper hand in 2024” thanks to generative AI.
“It may take the form of sophisticated phishing campaigns, a barrage of deep fakes, and hackers gaining access to detailed information about their targets while also getting around endpoint security defences,” the WEF predicted, urging “security leaders to prepare for the coming wave of AI-generated threats.”
That warning appears to be resonating with businesses around the world. According to an autumn 2023 survey in 11 countries conducted by KPMG, 82% of CEOs are
worried about the ability of generative AI to enable additional cyber attacks. Anxiety is even higher in Canada, where 94% of CEOs harbour the same concern
On the flip side, artificial intelligence also has tremendous potential to detect cyber threats and defend against them. Figuring out how to do that is a challenge all cybersecurity leaders grapple with today.
Here’s a look at how companies are harnessing AI and generative AI for cybersecurity, the challenges they’re encountering along the way, and whether artificial intelligence is actually improving their security posture yet.
AI USE CASES FOR CYBERSECURITY
There’s scant data about the cybersecurity use cases companies have identified for artificial intelligence within their business-
es. When the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) polled nearly 2,500 IT and security pros worldwide last fall, however, there were the top 20 cybersecurity use cases that organizations said they were “considering” for AI, including rule creation (21%), attack simulation (19%), and compliance violation monitoring (19%).
Regardless of specific use cases, the majority of companies recognize the security potential of artificial intelligence and have started to explore that in some way.
“Based on what we’re seeing, most of our clients are using some form of AI in their cybersecurity journey, either knowingly or unknowingly,” says Nisal Samarakkody, a cybersecurity partner at KPMG Canada.
“Knowingly” refers to companies that have specifically procured AI-based solutions in the past few years. “Unknowingly” means many companies continue to use
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“Most of our clients are using some form of AI in their cybersecurity journey.”
— Nisal Samarakkody, KPMG Canada
their existing security tools (like antivirus software or email firewalls) which have recently been enhanced with some AI capabilities during vendor updates.
In Canada, these are the main cybersecurity use cases Samarakkody has seen among some of KPMG’s clients so far:
• Performance optimization for threat detection monitoring and breach response: AI collects and sifts through massive data sets, then analyzes and summarizes them in an easily digestible way to enable faster breach response
• Real-time anomaly detection
• Phishing detection: AI can spot a phishing email even if it contains perfect spelling and grammar, a ruse that’s almost impossible for humans to discern
• Writing and integrating cybersecurity code: instead of humans performing this process manually, generative AI can complete it if fed certain parameter inputs
REAL WORLD AI JOURNEYS
In Edmonton, the University of Alberta is using an AI tool that analyzes threat intelligence data from various sources, correlates it, and alerts the cybersecurity team of anomalous patterns or sequences that could be cause for alarm.
“ We might get maybe two or three of those alerts a month. It’s been incredibly handy and helpful for us, just the automated correlation of seemingly unrelated events,” says Michael Spaling, team lead in the information security office of the university’s chief information security officer.
Spaling has also used generative AI to create a 13-page job fact sheet for the role of principal security architect, a brand new
position the university is hiring for. He used ChatGPT to develop the document, which is a detailed, contextual summary of the duties, responsibilities and qualifications required for the position.
“I used AI to do what would have taken five or six hours of my time, and reduced it to maybe one hour. It frees up our time to do more important stuff, like actually looking at logs and responding to things,” says Spaling.
Other than a dedicated email security product, however, “we don’t actually use a lot of pure AI technologies behind the scenes.”
Apollo Information Systems is a cybersecurity and technology consulting firm in Houston, Tex. Among its clients who are using AI, the most common cybersecurity use cases are for automating and analyzing threat alerts, writing cyber policy manuals, and creating cybersecurity training sessions for employees, says Dave Tyson, chief intelligence officer at Apollo.
Tyson says AI appeals to businesses because it allows them to scale cybersecurity at a level that isn’t possible for human teams to accomplish manually. “They can use this kind of technology to control cost and manage risk. You’ve got the ability to deal with the sheer volume of [data and alerts], you’ve got the utility of being able to do more things with less, and you’ve got accur-
acy. By being able to create repeatable processes, you get scale, and then businesses can move faster and grow,” he says.
CHALLENGES OF AI FOR CYBERSECURITY
Adopting AI for cybersecurity inevitably comes with challenges. According to the same global CSA survey mentioned earlier, some of the top adoption pain points are:
• cost of implementation - 85%
• shortage of skilled staff - 33%
• resource allocation - 11%
• understanding AI risks - 10%
Tyson says the biggest challenges his own clients have encountered include:
• concerns about the security of AI tools themselves
• the security of their corporate data in open source AI tools or shared AI platforms
• the amount of computing power, cooling, electricity and data centre capacity required to use AI
Some of Tyson’s customers also fear their current AI cybersecurity solutions or tools may disappear as the sector is consolidated through acquisitions and mergers. “If you’ve built that [AI tool] into your day-to-day security program, that could be a really big problem,” he notes.
Spaling worries that, as AI becomes more powerful and advanced, today’s thorny issues of compliance, governance, ethics and risk management will only be exacerbated further for businesses that use it.
Spaling also finds it tough to sort through the marketing hype that surrounds any
“They can use this kind of technology to control cost and manage risk.”
— Dave Tyson, Apollo Information Systems
emerging technology. He says, “ When it comes to products and services, what’s just marketing versus what is actually AI-driven and is actually going to help us?”
Though the dearth of AI skills is a serious challenge for all companies, Samarakkody says very few are using artificial intelligence to deliver intensive cybersecurity training to their employees. Some firms have built chatbots so that, instead of “sifting through a significant volume of security policies and training material, (workers) can just ask the chatbot a question directly,” he says.
To address both the AI and cybersecurity skills shortages in Canada, KPMG and Microsoft Canada jointly launched a virtual training program in November 2023 called the Operational Risk Skills Development Centre. The free video-based courses are delivered in two streams: a
generative AI course for C-suite executives and board members, and a cybersecurity course for SMBs and their board members.
Although the AI stream includes some Microsoft Copilot training, Samarakkody says the content and skills in that course are transferable to other AI tools, including how to prompt chatbots, AI ethics, privacy and governance.
AI CYBERSECURITY BENEFITS
Is generative AI improving the cybersecurity posture of businesses and organizations yet?
“I would not say that any specific AI-driven technology or service that we’ve invested in has really provided a ton of value. I don’t think it’s made much of a difference yet,” Spaling says.
Spaling believes businesses are still in an experimental phase with the technology, and Tyson agrees. “I don’t think anybody’s
Congratulations to
Jason Caissie on being named Canadian Security Community Leader of the Year 2024!
Thank you for your years of support and dedication.
From your ASIS Toronto Chapter #193 family.
at a state of maturity around this,” he says. “I think it’ll be some period of time until it becomes stable.”
AI is definitely boosting the productivity of cyber teams and lowering the cost of responding to breaches, Samarakkody says. Overall, however, it’s still early days in the adoption cycle.
“The ultimate goal is moving from a reactive cybersecurity posture to a proactive cybersecurity posture,” he says. “That means being able to stop something from happening by looking at the early indicators of something that looks bad and smells bad. So before an action takes place, you intervene and stop it. That’s really the ultimate goal to get from an AI perspective. But collectively, we’re not there yet.” | CS
Christine Wong is a freelance writer based in Toronto.
Canadian Security Honours 2024
Welcome to the seventh annual Canadian Security Honours, where we highlight the successes and accomplishments of professionals from across the security spectrum and at different stages of their careers — some reflecting on decades of service, and one just getting started.
This year, we acknowledge the contributions of four more remarkable people: Minaz Jivraj (Lifetime Achievement); Jason
Caissie (Community Leader); Jessica Tanan (Emerging Leader); and Kirsty Bradley-McMurtrie (Security Director of the Year).
We are privileged to spotlight the successes of these security leaders and hope that you find wisdom and inspiration in their stories. Check out the highlights from the October Canadian Security Honours award gala, held in Toronto, on our website, www.canadiansecuritymag.com.
Winner profiles by Neil Sutton
Lifetime Achievement: Minaz Jivraj
Minaz Jivraj says his years in K-12 security have consistently affirmed his faith that the overwhelming majority of people are kind-hearted and good-natured.
“I’ve learned through the education system, particularly the Catholic education system, that the vast majority of people have good intentions. I’ve come to accept that people honestly have a good heart and will help if approached,” he says.
Graduating from Seneca College with a diploma in law enforcement, Jivraj got his start in the security industry in the late 1970s working as an armed guard in Toronto. Within a few years, he accepted a role as a loss prevention investigator for the Eaton’s department store in the downtown Toronto Eaton Centre mall.
He spent almost 20 years with the Eaton’s organization, working his way up to district loss prevention manager through a series of promotions, ultimately looking after 15 store locations across Ontario. During his time with Eaton’s, he also worked with close protection details for the Eaton family, coordinating with local law enforcement, and participated in security
planning for official VIP visits, including members of the British royal family.
“People honestly have a good heart and will help if approached.”
Jivraj left loss prevention and the retail world in 1996, and started working with the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board as a security consultant. The position was initially a temporary one, helping the school district to set up a security program, but by 2002 he was hired on full-time.
Jivraj has spent the last 22 years working with Dufferin-Peel as its chief security officer. The school board, one of the largest in Ontario, serves a number of municipalities west of Toronto including Mississauga, Brampton, Bolton, Caledon, Orangeville and Dufferin
County. More than 72,000 students attend 151 schools, and an estimated 10,000 people are employed by the school district.
Two decades is a long time in the security world, and Jivraj has overseen numerous technology upgrades in order to keep surveillance, access control and intrusion systems up-to-date.
Going back to the late ’90s, surveillance systems comprised VCRs and analogue cameras running over cable connections. Eventually digital technology made its way into security with DVRs, which, through encoders, made it possible to turn analogue signals into digital recordings.
As IP systems became more commonplace in the 2000s, Jivraj says he saw the possibilities that were opening up, but “as the digital world started coming into play, I was not ready to jump in with both feet.”
Cameras began to evolve extremely quickly, but that only diminished their useful lifespan and increased their obsolescence. Jivraj says he turned his attention from the latest technology releases to more effective integration of the equipment the school board already had.
He adopted video intercom systems,
and connected cameras to card access systems to optimize their usefulness. He also extended access control to make it easier for maintenance contractors to use. In more recent years, Jivraj oversaw major technology installs including complete updates of camera and card access systems, and an emergency notification system. He has also put in strobe lights to augment audio alarms.
Optimal security systems means better protection for school property and “we have the ability to support community safety,” he says.
During his years working in the education system, Jivraj says he found a network of like-minded security professionals through the National Association of School Safety and Law Enforcement Officials (NASSLEO).
Jivraj first encountered the U.S.-based security organization when it hosted a conference in Toronto in 1999. Jivraj volunteered
for the planning committee and became NASSLEO’s elected Canadian representative in 2000, joining the organization’s board of directors. He has twice received the NASSLEO president’s award for “dedicated commitment to the cause of school safety.”
Through his participation in NASSLEO, he was “exposed to some of the challenges that our American counterparts were having,” he says.
He took note particularly of the close relationship between school safety and law enforcement in the U.S. and their analytical approach, such as gathering crime statistics and open source intelligence to help develop risk profiles for individual schools.
Jivraj has since fostered relationships with both the Peel Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police as a means to promote school and community safety. He is active with Peel Police’s School Police
Emergency Action Response (SPEAR) program and was recently commended by them for his high level of security expertise and professionalism.
In recent years, Jivraj has looked outside the school system, and outside Canada, for further volunteer opportunities. He has volunteered for several NGOs, serving in an advisory capacity to the University of Central Asia, with facilities in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, as they established an emergency operations centre and incident command system. “What I have learned, I am voluntarily sharing,” he says.
Jivraj says his security career has not been without challenges, but he maintains his positive outlook on human nature, advising that compassion and a sensitivity to mental health issues are essential tools for all security professionals, regardless of the market, sector or organization they serve. | CS
Community Leader: Jason Caissie
Jason Caissie is vice-president of operations for the Profile Group, a Toronto-based family company providing investigations, systems integration and security consulting services.
As the driving force behind Profile, he can expect a busy schedule most days of the week, yet he’s always managed to carve out more hours for some extra-curricular activity.
In the volunteer world, Caissie is best known for his work with ASIS — at the international level where he sits on a chapters committee serving the North American board of directors, at the national level on the ASIS Canada board and at the local level as an emeritus chair of the ASIS Toronto chapter. He has also fulfilled several other committee roles over the years, including the ASIS young professionals group and the ASIS Toronto Best Practices organizing committee.
In addition to his ASIS commitments, Caissie has also volunteered for the Canadian Security Association, the Ontario Private Security and Investigative Services Branch, his kids’ school, his Australian rules football league, and his squash club. In past years, Caissie also sat on the editorial advisory boards for both Canadian Security and SP&T News
“I should be better at saying no, I suppose,” offers Caissie.
Balancing a busy work life with volunteer activities (he acknowledges that entire days have been devoted to ASIS) has cost him some freedom but the rewards are immeasurable, he says. “Profile is very much a regional company. We’re Toronto-based and we do work across Canada, but we’re pretty small on the global field,” he says.
Working with ASIS over the years has broadened his perspective and given him a greater appreciation of
the scope and potential of the security industry. It has also shone a spotlight on some of the industry’s deficiencies, as well as offered some potential solutions to address them. He says one of its greatest challenges has been a lack of diversity, particularly in leadership positions.
While individual companies may be able to address this important issue internally, ASIS has a global reach. Caissie says ASIS is helping to set the tone through its own diversity initiatives.
“Security is very much an art and a mindset.”
Caissie recalls when he first got involved with ASIS in the early 2000s, attendance at chapter meetings would include one or two women at the most. The security industry, as well as ASIS, has evolved since then and groups like ASIS Women in Security and ASIS Young Professionals (known today as ASIS Next Gen) have certainly helped. They “needed to happen,” says Caissie, but there is still a lot of work left to do.
As an institution, ASIS provides opportunities for security professionals to augment their training through certification programs, educational opportunities and networking.
While Caissie has a knack for volunteer work, he recognizes that it’s not always easy to find the extra hours to devote to an association, particularly when trying to balance a busy working life, family time and other obligations. There were
times when he felt compelled to step away from volunteer roles but it was the social relationships he formed that always drew him back in.
He credits Pat Bishop, a former general manager at Profile, for introducing him to ASIS in the first place and encouraging him to seek his own certification path (Caissie currently holds the three major ASIS certifications, CPP, PSP and PCI).
When he joined ASIS Toronto, it was his friend and fellow security professional Patrick Ogilvie who urged him to seek a board-level role and the two led the chapter as chair and vicechair almost 16 years ago.
And when Caissie was looking for someone to head up a newly formed Young Professionals group, Toronto chapter member Michael Brzozowski stepped up —but on the condition that Caissie co-chair the committee. (Brzozowski has blazed his own trail at ASIS since then, serving on several councils and committees. He was also the recipient of Canadian Security’s inaugural Emerging Leader award in 2018.)
Finding an ally or partner to volunteer with has proven to be a successful strategy for Caissie and he recommends it to anyone who is thinking of volunteering but isn’t sure they have the fortitude to go it alone.
Whether it’s volunteering hundreds of hours, dozens or just a few every month, Caissie highly recommends participation in a professional association. The rewards include professional development, network building and sometimes lifelong friendships.
“Security is very much an art and a mindset,” says Caissie. “You can’t evolve your mindset, you can’t learn to improve that mindset without outside influences. I think those outside influences need to come from other security professionals. The best way to do that is within an association.” | CS
Emerging Leader: Jessica Tanan
Arelative newcomer to the Canadian security industry, Jessica Tanan has made herself an integral part of it in a few short years.
Tanan immigrated to Canada from the Philippines with her family at the age of four. She didn’t speak any English when she arrived but soon picked it up by watching children’s television and paying attention if a family member was tuned into a soap opera. This ability to learn quickly and adapt to her surroundings has also become a hallmark of her professional life.
As a young adult, she aspired to be an English teacher, and earned an English degree from the University of Toronto. But upon graduation, she shifted gears, developing an interest in business and finance, and took on a sales role in the financial sector.
In 2019, she joined Vipond, a Toronto-based company offering fire protection, monitoring and security solutions among other services.
Tanan started in the accounting department, but soon moved
into a security sales role, finding it a natural fit with her personality and abilities.
Earlier this year she was promoted into a business development role, working with both security end users and general contractors.
She says she immediately found the industry to be welcoming and has learned a lot about security in a relatively short time through her interactions with security professionals in the field and from her colleagues at Vipond. “That’s the great thing about our team,” she says. “I can always ask our branch manager, sales or operations, or the technicians.”
Tanan also increased her exposure to the industry through attending and exhibiting at trade shows in the U.S. and Canada, and by volunteering her time with associations.
She currently serves on both the DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and Women in Security (WIS) committees for the Toronto chapter of ASIS International. She says she was inspired to get more involved after she attended the chapter’s annual Women in Security conference.
“It was important for me to get involved as much as I could and wherever I could,” she says. “I attended all the ASIS events just to be supportive. I met so many great industry leaders through those networking events.”
Tanan also volunteers for the Toronto Construction Association and their young construction leaders committee, which is geared towards professionals under 40. The group helps to encourage more young leaders and provides them with professional networking opportunities.
Through volunteering, Tanan says she has met other women who are keen to keep pushing the security and construction industries forward and open up new opportunities for others.
“Women supporting each other, lifting each other up, has always been important to me. I’ve had positive role models who have given me opportunities. My way of giving back is, let me do that for somebody else,” says Tanan.
“I’ve always been an advocate for
“It was important for me to get involved as much
as I could.”
inclusivity,” she adds. “As an immigrant, I know what it’s like to walk into a room and no one looks like you. It can be intimidating. I want to be that face in the room — when someone sees me, they feel welcome, they feel safe.”
She says this approach has been particularly fulfilling when exhibiting at college career fairs. These gatherings provide more opportunities to engage with young women and showcase security as a potential occupation they can pursue upon graduation.
Tanan has quickly built a reputation and a presence in the security industry, leveraging social media to build her network, to communicate with others (direct messaging is a formidable tool, she says), to promote herself and her company,
and also to promote the volunteer work and events she is supporting.
She is grateful to her managers and co-workers at Vipond for supporting her ambitions, and also to her friends and colleagues at the associations she volunteers with. “I have a lot of great role models working with me,” she says. “The leadership has been a part of my growth in the industry.”
Tanan intends to keep pressing forward in her career journey and sees herself attaining a senior director role in the future. “I want to continue being a resource for others,” she says. “Whether it’s leading a team at a regional or national level, I see so much potential. I still have so much work to do. I’m just getting started and I want to be part of the change.” | CS
Product Focus
Access Control Solutions
Swing handle ABLOY
ABLOY announced the launch of the ABLOY CUMULUS Swing Handle for keyless access via smartphone. The Swing Handle can be used across numerous industries with needs ranging from telecom, fibre and electrical cabinets to server environments. It is also suited for CCTV camera control, monitoring automation and storage cabinets. The waterproof CUMULUS Swing Handle is designed to endure harsh conditions and meets industry standards for durability (IP66) and resistance (IK10). It also features a real-time clock to log lock state and audit trails.
www.abloy.com
Wireless locks Allegion
The Schlage XE360 Series Wireless Locks are a new electronic lock portfolio designed with multifamily market needs in mind. The XE360 Series was designed to complement a variety of design styles. It operates in an offline or No-Tour environment, which eliminates the need for property managers to visit the lock as credentials update the access rights. Integrated with Allegion and third-party access control software providers and proptech systems, the XE360 Series’ open architecture design provides property owners and operators the flexibility to choose between management systems. The XE360 Series supports the latest mobile credential technologies, including MIFARE, Bluetooth and NFC mobile, with advanced encryption to keep data and communications safe. The new FleX Module board allows XE360 Series locks to be upgraded in the field to allow migration from an offline to networked solution. www.allegion.com
JESSICA TANAN
CONGRATULATIONS TO EMERGING LEADER
Vipond Inc. 6200 Kenway Drive, Mississauga, ON L5T 2N3 P: 905-564-7060 I www.vipond.ca For more information, please contact Jessica at info@vipond.ca today.
Top 10 Under 40
Providing integrated security solutions across Canada with threat-risk assessments, guarding, mobile patrol, background screening, cybersecurity and more.
