How Likely is the Threat of Terrorism?

The results of a new survey into the attitudes of security and risk managers at large corporations may be of interest to workplace managers considering the need for - or responsible for managing - a business continuity plan.

The research has been released by think-tank RAND Europe and The Risk Advisory Group.

- One in four companies (26 per cent) expect to experience some form of terrorist attack over the next two years.
- One in ten businesses (10 per cent) believe it is ‘extremely likely’ they will face at least one instance of terrorism.
- Sixty-three per cent of respondents believe terrorism is now a ‘significant threat’ to their organisations, with three out of four (74 per cent) believing that this threat will increase over the next 24 months.
- Twenty-four per cent believe it is likely their organisations will be deliberately targeted by terrorists – and half of companies believe terrorism is now a more serious threat than crime or fraud.
- Almost four in ten (38 per cent) think conventional weapons are the most likely tactic to be used by terrorists but cyber-terrorism (32 per cent), chemical or biological attacks (18 per cent) and radiological or nuclear terrorism (12 per cent) are also seen as likely tactics.

Security Management

The research points out that - despite the perceived high levels of threat - many businesses still have gaps in their security management processes. One in seven (14 per cent) give no security awareness training to their staff; one in six (16 per cent) have no travel security programmes or systems in place; and almost one in five (18 per cent) do not screen their employees before hiring.

And one in seven companies (14 per cent) have not undertaken any form of security surveys, audits or penetration testing to check systems.
This document is for general guidance and research purposes only, and does not purport to give professional advice. Please check the date at the top of the article; the Workplace Law Network retains historic articles for general research.