COBRA Threat Assessment and Recognition 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In security problem-solving, SARA stands for:
- Secure, Assess, Respond, Alert
- Survey, Approach, Review, Alert
- Scanning, Analysis, Response, Assessment (Correct answer)
- Secure, Analyze, Report, Act
Correct answer: Scanning, Analysis, Response, Assessment
SARA stands for Scanning (identifying problems), Analysis (understanding causes), Response (implementing solutions), and Assessment (evaluating effectiveness).
Question 2: In the US Department of Homeland Security Advisory System, which color represents the highest threat level?
- Orange
- Red (Correct answer)
- Purple
- Black
Correct answer: Red
Red represents the highest threat level in the Homeland Security Advisory System, indicating a severe risk of terrorist attacks.
Question 3: Which behavioral warning sign is most commonly reported prior to workplace violence incidents?
- Excessive overtime and dedication to assigned work tasks
- Expressed grievances combined with threats or intimidation of coworkers (Correct answer)
- Requesting schedule changes or shift accommodations
- Increased productivity and attendance at team meetings
Correct answer: Expressed grievances combined with threats or intimidation of coworkers
The combination of expressed grievances with threats or intimidation of coworkers is one of the most commonly identified pre-violence behavioral warning signs.
Question 4: What is 'target hardening' in the context of physical security and threat reduction?
- Training security personnel in hand-to-hand defensive techniques
- Making a facility more resistant to attack through physical and procedural security enhancements (Correct answer)
- Installing bulletproof glass in all exterior windows of a facility
- Increasing the number of armed security officers at a location
Correct answer: Making a facility more resistant to attack through physical and procedural security enhancements
Target hardening refers to a comprehensive approach of making a facility less attractive and more resistant to attack through physical barriers, technology, and procedural controls.
Question 5: A console operator should escalate a situation directly to law enforcement when:
- Any individual approaches the facility more than once in a single day
- A situation involves imminent danger to life, safety, or criminal activity (Correct answer)
- Any visitor fails to produce valid identification upon request
- Surveillance cameras detect movement outside of normal business hours
Correct answer: A situation involves imminent danger to life, safety, or criminal activity
Law enforcement should be contacted when there is imminent danger to life, significant safety concerns, or criminal activity — situations that exceed security personnel's authority and capability.
Question 6: What is 'social engineering' in the context of security threats?
- Using social media platforms to track and monitor criminal suspects
- Psychological manipulation of people to gain unauthorized access or information (Correct answer)
- Coordinating community relations programs for a security department
- Training employees on security awareness through group simulation sessions
Correct answer: Psychological manipulation of people to gain unauthorized access or information
Social engineering involves psychologically manipulating individuals to divulge confidential information or grant unauthorized access, bypassing technical security measures by exploiting human behavior.
Question 7: When assessing the credibility of a bomb threat received at a console, which factor is most important to evaluate?
- The time of day the threat was received
- The specific details provided, including location, device description, and timing (Correct answer)
- The apparent gender of the person making the threat
- The communication method used to deliver the threat
Correct answer: The specific details provided, including location, device description, and timing
The specificity of details — such as exact location, device type, and timing — is the most critical factor in assessing the credibility of a bomb threat.
COBRA Threat Assessment and Recognition 2
In security problem-solving, SARA stands for: