
Editor Introduction
An organization’s security director manages a staff of security personnel, implements and enforces security policies and procedures, and generally ensures the safety of personnel and visitors to the organization’s premises.
Over the years, the role of security director has expanded to include new disciplines such as cybersecurity. More and more, security directors are also taking a “seat at the table” as integral and critical members of a company’s management team. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable:
How is the job of “security director” expanding, and what is the impact on technology?
As security becomes more sophisticated, so do the responsibilities of security directors, and technology plays a pivotal role. Security pioneers have shifted from the reactive to the proactive mode of safeguarding people, customers, critical data, and, of course, assets.
The convergence of physical and digital security has pushed security directors to adapt and embrace advanced technologies such as AI, biometrics, and analytics to enhance overall threat detection and mitigation. However, there are challenges. Security providers must ensure seamless integration of various security systems.
In years past there was more of a division between the security and information technology world. We see a partnership, moving beyond compartmentalised silos.
Empowered security directors create comprehensive security strategies that encompass both physical and digital realms. Directors are embracing technology to stay ahead of threats. It’s a term I have entitled “Horizontal Thinking,” the ability to use data to project future risk and mitigation.
Editor Summary
As one of our Expert Panelists puts it, the role of security is increasingly woven throughout an organization, and therefore, so is the job of the security director. It is truly a complex, cross-functional role.
There is even an expansion of what the word “security” means in an organization, which also enlarges the scope of the security director’s duties. And technology is becoming more sophisticated, including digital transformation and an increasing array of physical and cybersecurity threats.
With fast-moving changes happening throughout the security discipline, it’s no wonder security directors are challenged to keep pace.
Read the full article on securityinformed.com
Keith Aubele
Keith is a retail industry veteran and has held executive leadership positions with two of the top retailers in the world. He led The Home Depot’s loss prevention division as a senior vice president and his team was responsible for bringing shrink down to the lowest in company history. While at the Home Depot, Keith was designated a high succession leadership candidate by the CEO. Prior to The Home Depot, Keith spent his career at Walmart where he was the Director of Loss Prevention. Other roles at Walmart included retail operations, and responsibility for the Supercenter Division. While at Walmart, Keith was placed on the fast-track program by CEO David Glass and was one of three executives selected to create, design and rollout the Neighborhood Market concept for Walmart.
Keith has the distinction of being personally mentored by Walmart founder Sam Walton, and The Home Depot’s founder, Bernie Marcus. He is a steering committee member of the ASIS Asset Protection Council, and the former Chairman. He is the founder, and former Chairman of the NW Arkansas ASIS Chapter. He holds a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) from ASIS International & Loss Prevention Professional (LPP) Certification from Missouri Southern State University. Keith has a BS in Criminology & AS in Law Enforcement from Missouri Southern, and he holds a Master’s Degree in Business from Troy University. Keith is a United States Air Force & Law Enforcement Veteran. He resides in Niantic Connecticut and serves on several non-profit boards.