Summer Update 2012

Hope all of you are having a great Summer! It’s been a while since our last blog, and we’ve had a lot going on around here…
Some of the fun things we did in 2011: participated in the Rogers Santa Clause Parade again, the St. Patty’s Day Parade again, AND the Vaisakhi Parade (just to name a few…).
We also welcomed back BC Place in September, and performed security for the Cloverdale Rodeo once again (10 years running now!).
Internally, In 2011 we hired Isabel Egan as our right-hand ‘person’ and Camil’s Executive Assistant, Jason Baron as our Ops Manager, and Betty Letain in Ops as well.
So far in 2012, we’ve hired Darren Brown as our Business Development Director, and Kevin Boyle in Business Development.
Finally – we’ll be at BC Place on the 18^th for a Whitecaps Game and again the 20^th for a BC Lions Game…….. We’d love to see you there! Come on out and show your support.

Exciting News! Launch of Facebook, New Blog, and Youtube Channel!

Genesis Security is excited about the launch of our new Genesis Security Expert Blog, Genesis Security Facebook Page, and Youtube Channel.

The Blog will be updated on a weekly basis, and its primary focus is to provide weekly safety tips, although other subject matter will be addressed. Become a follower, "like", comment, and provide suggestions on what you would like to see on the Genesis Blog. Better still ask the Security Expert a question and watch for the answer!

The old blog is still available for viewing; however, check out the new Blog.
You can also visit us on Facebook and Youtube.

Email Security

I was reading an interesting article over the weekend that was posted on a BCLDC website. In the interest of educating yourself I thought you might be interested in reading it as well.

Email security

Please continue to be cautious whenever you receive a message that contains a link to a web-site or an attachment. Here are two recent reports that illustrate why:
On one day in mid August, a record peak of 25 billion malicious attachments to e-mails were sent. Those who opened the attachment were infected with software that can make it part of a botnet, a network of millions of computers that can be centrally controlled. No one has yet determined what use will be made of this new botnet.

Click Here

A recent phishing attack lures the innocent with a lawsuit threat and the claim that an attachment is evidence that their computer has been used for criminal activity. Under such circumstances, would you open the attachment?

Click Here

We don’t have to be victims, but we do have to be alert.

Genesis Hero of the Week:

While on his regular rounds a Genesis night guard was confronted by a man attempting to gain access to a secured location. Our man, Harinder interrupted the intruder and the gentleman fled. Thanks to his quick alert to the Police the man was later apprehended. Turns out the man was wanted by the police for questioning in connection with an earlier incident involving a stabbing. Kudos Harninder!!

End of summer!

Hello Everybody,
I would first like to thank all our clients new & old for another fantastic summer. I would often hear my employees when they come by the office laughing and sharing their great experiences that had at the various events we did over the summer. I would like to give a special thank you to End Cancer who we developed a relationship with this past summer providing security for the Ride to Conquer Cancer, The Underwear Affair and the Weekend to End Women's Cancer. As well to The Cloverdale Rodeo who we just finished our 8th year with. We hope to continue all our relationships in the coming years.
With Summer quickly coming to an end we now look forward to our fall events and it was just announced recently that we will be back to provide our support to soon to be open BC Place. Our team is extremely excited to get back into the swing of things since BC Place shut down for regular events to start construction and prepare to be centre stage for the 2011 Winter Olympics.

Violence as a Last Resort

Ju-do = “the gentle way”. You don’t need to know the martial art itself to practice peaceful ways. We can all apply this ancient skill to our everyday lives. Even verbal self defence (a.k.a “Verbal Judo” ) when combined with common knowledge and training can de- escalate or end an attempted assault. Practicing a nonviolent approach gives one more control and with less effort.

Last week during our Canucks Stanly Cup playoff coverage for Rogers, SportsNet and CTV, we had a situation occur where one of our highly trained guards used peaceful tactics in preventing a rambunctious fan from ploughing into CTV’s Sarah Galashan. In a calm and restrained way our guard was able to deflect him away and onto the ground in a safe manner -allowing the reporter to continue her news report. The guard then refused to engage verbally and ended the conversation. In this type of incidence it is especially fundamental to stay calm in order to protect yourself and others. These kind of tactics are also very proficient at diffusing the anger of others.

In every day life at Genesis, we see all kinds of angry people in these circumstances, and, as trained security guards, we’ve learned how to effectively calm and diffuse any difficult situation.
Genesis Security would like to personally thank all of our trained security guards who were so courageous, calm and proficient in handling the mob during the Stanley Cup Riot 2011.

“Violence is the last resort of the incompetent”- Lorne Bozinoff

Debit Card Fraud

Raise your awareness in your community, keep a watchful eye to prevent debit card skimming fraud.

Here are some helpful tips on how to protect your personal accounts:

1. Cover your PIN. Your bankcard won't work without the PIN. Thieves usually obtain the PIN with a small camera stationed near the card processor, so keep an eye out for anything that seems out of place. It might be a camera, or it may just be an unusual looking item placed conspicuously close by. In any event, shield the keypad with your body or free hand when entering your PIN.
2. Be selective with your ATM. Again, look for anything out of place. Any wires exposed? Tape evident? Hardware loose? If so, find another ATM. Use an ATM inside a bank whenever possible. Stay away from ATMs in remote locations that appear seldom used. These are easy to tamper with and might even be dummy cash machines…
3. Leave some wiggle room. When you insert your card, wiggle it while it's in the slot. If something seems loose, there might be theft device attached to the swipe hardware. Wiggling the card might jar the theft device from its hiding place.
4. Monitor your accounts. One of the best protections against continued use of your stolen information is to check bank statements regularly! With a debit card, you may be responsible for the first $50 (and you must report theft within two business days of discovery and no later than 60 days after the theft for protection). Credit cards generally have better protections plans and might be a better choice if you have any reservations about an ATM or processing machine.
5. Look for security cameras. ATMs and gas pumps that are under video surveillance and have cameras aimed directly at the card readers are less likely to be fitted with card-skimming equipment. Makes sense right?
6. Keep an eye on your card. When you give your card to a waiter or clerk, be skeptical of any request to swipe it through multiple devices or if they must leave your sight. Again – common sense, but it’s surprising how many people allow other people free access to their cards.
7. Be careful at the gas station. Gas stations are among the most prone to skimming… Use a credit card whenever possible or even choose the credit option on your bankcard.
Remember – raise your awareness and use common sense and you should be able to protect yourself from card skimming fraud.

- Genesis Security Group