Kidnapping in the virtual world
07/12/2020
What is a virtual kidnapping?
Randy Phillips began his career in financial institution security while still employed as a police investigator in upstate New York. His career in law enforcement provided his first exposure to the world of corporate security and financial crimes and would shape his career path from then on.
For several years he juggled two careers, pursuing robbers as a police officer and then teaching financial institution employees about dealing with those very people. His early days in the financial services industry began as an advisor and instructor on bank security topics. He quickly transitioned to the position of board-appointed bank security officer. During the next twenty years he would further this career and gain valuable experience in administering all areas of security for financial institutions while serving as: director of security and facilities, regional security officer, and corporate security director. His analytical thinking and thoroughness have been tremendously beneficial in writing policy and procedure, developing business continuity plans, and creating training programs.
His dual careers have also provided much insight and experience into the world of fraud, embezzlement, and ethics investigations. He has honed his skills in risk assessment and mitigation, designed and implemented a fraud awareness and incentive program for tellers, and been recognized for his robbery awareness and prevention programs. Most recently, he has been involved in the pursuit of ATM skimmers and the efforts to stay one step ahead of them. He routinely collaborates with many local, state and government entities including the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
07/12/2020
What is a virtual kidnapping?
07/05/2020
I’ve heard that check fraud gangs are recruiting on social media. How can that be?
06/21/2020
What is a deep fake and is it a security concern?
06/14/2020
If I recognize the voice of my account holder over the phone why do I still need to verify their identity.
06/07/2020
I hear about phishing all the time but what is this new thing called smishing and do I need to be concerned?
03/03/2019
I am currently dealing with an issue where my assistant branch manager provided a customer with images from our system that were related to a fender bender in our parking lot that involved another bank customer. She did not obtain approval from anyone to provide this information to our customer and as the security officer I would have kindly refused my customer's request. This incident has brought up the fact that perhaps we should have guidelines for our camera system users to adhere to in order to prevent future incidents like this. Do you know of any institutions that have a policy or procedures for their security camera system (CCTV)? If so, can you share it with me or give me some guidance?
02/24/2019
"What is the recommended schedule for the self-testing of your alarm system's communication to the monitoring center (i.e. landlines and/or cell back up)? The alarm system vendors seem to be all over the place on it."
02/17/2019
During a recent program I attended, you stated a smart phone could get you killed! Really?!? Other than talking while driving, how can that happen?"
02/10/2019
We have just decided to implement a pod branch design and are presently in the design phase. Do you have any suggestions on what we should focus on for this project?"
02/03/2019
I wanted to ask about active shooter training. I have not done that with my employees yet and was wondering if that is recommended training. My fear is the front line and new accounts employees are right out in the open, there is nowhere for them to go or to really hide for that matter. How would you suggest that training be handled? I have the YouTube video of "Run. Hide. Fight.®" I was thinking of showing that to our group on our upcoming training day; I just don't want to scare our employees to death.