Ignoring Threat Indicators

I am fairly sure we have all been there, at least in my line of work we have. That gut feeling that something is off, little cues in the headlines that make me feel like I am experiencing déjà vu. Indicators that cause me to put down what I am working on and conduct research to put that uneasy feeling to rest. My brain is trying to warn me... but am I listening?

Our brain is amazing, particularly our memory and ability to recall information. Long-term memory can be categorized into two distinct types: explicit (or conscious) and implicit (or unconscious) memory. Yes, that is correct. Human beings can unconsciously retrieve memories from our brain. This happens frequently. Activities like using muscle memory while driving a car fall into the implicit category. We don't necessarily have to consciously think about pumping the brakes every time we do it; often, it happens unconsciously (please do not test this theory by driving while asleep).

The same phenomenon occurs when we deal with potential crises or impending traumatic situations. Our brain notices cues in our environment and sends warning signals, urging us to pay attention. This is especially valuable during confrontations. Our mind signals that we might experience trauma due to a situation and that we should prepare to run, fight (or all too often, freeze).

The intriguing part of this process is how our bodies react. Blood begins to pool near vital organs and specific muscles that may be needed for survival. Our breathing intensifies to oxygenate our blood as we prepare to run or fight. As a result, less blood is pumped to our brain, which apparently isn't as vital to survival as our extremities. This limits our ability to employ logic and reason (explicit memory). Therefore, it's crucial to identify potential risks and our reactions to them before facing a crisis. We need to engrain our reactions into implicit memory.

Indicators are the key. When we equip ourselves to handle crises effectively at any level, we're constantly searching for indicators. The more indicators we identify before a crisis unfolds, the easier it is to respond under pressure.

This principle applies to various levels of crisis management and response. It doesn't solely apply to fight, flight, or freeze situations. My job mandates that I identify and pay attention to indicators. My objective is to anticipate events and control the response. I aim not to react during a crisis, but to proactively avoid it altogether. Preparedness holds merit, even if others label you as paranoid.

Let's delve into that often-used term for a moment. Evaluating your level of paranoia is possible. If you suggest a course of action to a leader and they accuse you of paranoia, ask them about their alternative plan. If the indicators you're tracking point to a genuine threat and the leader refuses to acknowledge it, you're not being paranoid. It's the leader displaying their fear.

Paying attention to indicators requires a specific mindset. It's neither easy nor common in Western cultures. Beyond information security, the security risk management sector is small, and that subset of the workforce mitigates many risks for the majority, so they don't have to concern themselves. Frankly, that's the goal. A content and secure workforce established the economy we inhabit today.

A balance must be struck. Identifying threat indicators without letting the process plunge you into a paranoid state is crucial. It demands experience and education. Once you master indicator identification, you can mitigate threats. Balancing the intake of information and your control over it lies in mitigating the threat.

When I embarked on a career in this industry as an intelligence officer, I was inundated with threat reports. Initially, it caused me to perceive the world as rather grim. Thankfully, I realized that I could use that information to save lives through prevention.

Now, when I hear the warning bells in my mind, I opt to listen and devise a solution, rather than ignoring those indicators and leaving things to chance. Recognizing indicators and the accompanying mitigating factors is how I live confidently. It's how I ensure that my operations will continue to progress over the long term. This mindset assists me in creating a secure work environment for those who rely on me.

Choose to confront your fears and acknowledge indicators promptly. This choice will save lives and grant you more control over your path."