As the COVID-19 pandemic placed many people in new and increasingly uncharted waters, international travel has also been experiencing an uptick as borders across the globe reopen.
While many people may not be unfamiliar with international travel, with mass global uncertainty, it is more vital than ever to take extra precautions to protect yourself from potential hazards in other countries, which may include hiring an executive protection agent.
As borders reopen, many experts think people traveling through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints will continue to rise, despite the increasing amount of potential security risks and public disturbances in the world today. It’s never a bad idea to take additional precautions to protect yourself or your family by hiring executive protection, but you may not know how to get started.
Whether this is your first time traveling internationally or your hundredth time, taking a look at some various tips to consider for using executive protection is essential.
7 Tips for Using Executive Protection for International Travel
With things such as social media and online entertainment—celebrities, CEOs, and top corporate executives are becoming more visible representations of their brands, with some achieving fame that has reached unprecedented heights. However, with more visibility comes more risk and a greater need for executive protection.
The need for private security or executive protection is expanding rapidly, but finding a service you can trust to keep you safe and protected can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider before you start.
If you are traveling to a different country and plan to hire an executive protection agent to travel with you, here are seven tips to consider beforehand.
Know What You Need
Before traveling internationally, it’s critical that you have a firm idea of what kind of protection you need before searching for an executive protection service. These agents are trained to maintain a low profile, adapt to your lifestyle, and be as unobtrusive as possible.
Knowing what kind of protection you need, including everyday risks and worst-case scenarios, will make it easier to assess if a security firm meets your needs and is the best fit for you.
Experience in Executive Protection
When it comes to security, one of the most crucial elements to consider is experience. How long has the company been operating? Do they have a good reputation?
These are some of the most vital questions to ask before hiring an executive protection service, as this expertise often means that they are more likely to be able to respond to any circumstance.
Furthermore, a reputable executive protection company should be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure that they can be reached at any moment in the event of an emergency.
Check for Certifications and Licenses
When it comes to executive protection, you don’t want to be looked after by inexperienced people. Before choosing an executive protection agent, make certain that the company is certified and licensed to ensure that you are working with trained professionals who are fully prepared to keep you safe in a variety of situations.
There is a distinction to be made between having a license and being certified. A license is a government-issued permit that can be granted to even the most inexperienced agents, based on the licensing standards, while a certificate, on the other hand, is proof that an executive protection agent has completed rigorous professional training.
When looking for certifications and licenses, the following training centers in the United States give credentials to professional executive protection agents:
- The United States Secret Service
- US State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service
- Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
- US Army Military Police School’s Protective Services Training Course
- US Army Criminal Investigation Division
- US Naval Investigative Service
- Executive Security International
- Executive Protection Institute
- National Protective Services Institute
- International Training Group
If the executive protection service you are considering using has a certificate from somewhere other than the above, check to see if the trainers are reputable and have at least ten years of experience.
Beware of Social Unrest
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased unemployment, misinformation, and police presence, all of which have contributed to increased violent protests and domestic extremism.
In combination with economic downturns, reduced foot traffic can alter crime rates and public safety in formerly safe areas, which may catch international travelers off guard.
Consider Travel Logistics
When it comes to issues with visas, border crossings, potential quarantines, and COVID testing, international travelers are likely to face more complicated or lengthy procedures, and travel restrictions can change quickly—causing delays that could jeopardize a safe return home.
International travelers are frequently forced to make last-minute detours to neighboring nations in the case of an unexpected catastrophe, such as political unrest or a terrorist attack, which can make the process more difficult.
Consider Crisis Response
Since the pandemic began, unexpected emergencies such as natural catastrophes and terrorist attacks have constantly threatened international travelers. However, because their emergency resources and infrastructure have been depleted as a result of the pandemic response, some countries may now be less prepared to handle similar disasters.
While international terrorism hasn’t been in the news recently, others claim that the pandemic’s societal instability creates a setting conducive to terrorist activity and recruitment, which could become more visible as borders reopen.
Stay Cautious of Cyber Threats
As of late, cybercriminals have been using public panic and domestic workforces to construct COVID-themed phishing campaigns, and target susceptible networks since the outbreak began.
As travel continues to increase, increased cyber threats are expected to persist, and celebrities and executives alike may be more prone to connect to unprotected Wifi networks while on the road.
These adversaries may be able to use to their advantage to craft a more convincing phishing email.
Finding an Executive Protection Service You Can Trust
When you consider the global impact that COVID-19 has had, deciding which executive protection company to hire when traveling internationally can be difficult. However, after reading this article, we hope you have more knowledge and insight to help you determine which executive protection service you can trust.
There are numerous reasons to hire an executive protection agent, and doing so is almost certainly the best option if you are concerned about potential threats or your personal safety while traveling internationally.
Whether you’re a celebrity or an ultra-high-net-worth individual, putting your life, reputation, and family’s safety in the hands of an executive protection agent is crucial. As a result, it’s critical to conduct thorough due diligence while vetting potential security providers.
By paying close attention to the seven tips mentioned above, we think you will have no problem finding executive protection that you can rely on to help you reduce your risk exposure.
If you wish to discuss how executive protection services can help you travel safely, contact us at the World Protection Group today.
