SIA CP Threat Assessment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the difference between a 'threat' and a 'risk' in close protection?
- They are the same thing
- A threat is a potential danger; risk is the likelihood and impact of that threat materialising (Correct answer)
- A threat is physical; a risk is financial
- A risk is always higher than a threat
Correct answer: A threat is a potential danger; risk is the likelihood and impact of that threat materialising
A threat is a potential source of harm (e.g., a stalker). Risk is the combination of the likelihood of that threat materialising and the potential impact if it does. Risk = Threat × Vulnerability × Impact.
Question 2: Which factor is NOT typically considered in a close protection threat assessment?
- The principal's public profile
- The principal's favourite colour (Correct answer)
- The political environment of the destination
- Known hostile actors
Correct answer: The principal's favourite colour
A threat assessment considers the principal's profile, known threats, the political/security environment, and operational factors. Personal preferences like favourite colour are irrelevant to security planning.
Question 3: What is 'OSINT' and how is it used in threat assessment?
- A type of body armour
- Open Source Intelligence — publicly available information used to assess threats (Correct answer)
- A brand of surveillance equipment
- A close protection formation
Correct answer: Open Source Intelligence — publicly available information used to assess threats
OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) is intelligence gathered from publicly available sources such as social media, news reports, and public records. It is used to identify potential threats and assess the security environment.
Question 4: What is 'counter-surveillance' in close protection?
- Installing CCTV cameras
- Techniques used to detect if the principal or team is being watched or followed (Correct answer)
- Surveillance of the principal by the team
- Monitoring social media
Correct answer: Techniques used to detect if the principal or team is being watched or followed
Counter-surveillance involves specific techniques and procedures to detect, identify, and neutralise hostile surveillance of the principal or close protection team.
Question 5: In threat assessment, what does 'capability' refer to?
- The skills of the close protection team
- Whether a potential adversary has the means, resources, and skills to carry out an attack (Correct answer)
- The principal's ability to follow instructions
- The capacity of the vehicles used
Correct answer: Whether a potential adversary has the means, resources, and skills to carry out an attack
Capability refers to whether a threat actor possesses the necessary means, resources, skills, and opportunity to carry out an attack. Along with intent, it determines the credibility of a threat.
Question 6: What is a 'vulnerability assessment' in close protection?
- Testing the principal's physical fitness
- An evaluation of weaknesses in the security arrangements that could be exploited by a threat (Correct answer)
- Checking the team's emotional resilience
- A medical examination of the principal
Correct answer: An evaluation of weaknesses in the security arrangements that could be exploited by a threat
A vulnerability assessment identifies weaknesses or gaps in the security arrangements around the principal that could be exploited by a threat actor. It helps prioritise where security measures need to be strengthened.
SIA CP Threat Assessment 2
What is the difference between a 'threat' and a 'risk' in close protection?