Physical Security Challenges in South Africa for 2024 - Insights
First Issue
Welcome to the first edition of the Security Jobs Finder Insights newsletter targeting the South African Security Industry.
The aim of our newsletter is to help educate people at all levels in the security industry about the latest crime trends that are happening out there and what they need to be looking out for, and to discuss issues of concern.
In this week’s issue we introduce the importance of security, a crime that affects everyone of us and how to use social media and the benefits and dangers it poses to Security officers.
1. Strengthening the Frontline: Physical Security Challenges in South Africa for 2024
Introduction: In the ever-evolving landscape of security, the focus often shifts to the digital threats that loom in our interconnected world. However, the cornerstone of our industry remains firmly in the realm of physical security. As we step into 2024, South African security officers face unique challenges that require vigilance, innovation, and adaptability.
High Crime Rates and Their Implications: South Africa’s high crime rates continue to be a pressing concern for security officers. The need for effective crime prevention strategies is paramount. Officers must be equipped with advanced training in situational awareness, conflict de-escalation, and emergency response to ensure they can protect both themselves and those they are tasked to safeguard.
Technological Advancements in Surveillance: The integration of AI and machine learning into surveillance systems offers unprecedented capabilities in threat detection and analysis. Security officers should embrace these technologies, understanding their operation and leveraging their insights to pre-empt criminal activities.
Weekly Poll.
Read next week’s edition to see the answer.
Economic Constraints and Security: The economic landscape has imposed limitations on security budgets. Security companies must advocate for smart investments in durable and efficient physical security measures that offer long-term benefits, such as high-quality surveillance equipment and robust access control systems to complement a physical security presence.
Consumer Expectations and Service Delivery: The modern consumer demands flexibility and convenience. Security companies & officers must adapt their service delivery to meet these expectations, offering tailored security solutions that fit the diverse needs of their clientele.
Regulatory Compliance and Best Practices: Adhering to the latest Psira regulations and industry best practices is crucial. Security companies must ensure that their operations are not only compliant but also set the standard for excellence in physical security.
Resource Optimisation in the Face of Understaffing: Understaffing remains a significant challenge. Security companies need to optimise the use of available resources, employing strategic patrol routes, and leveraging community support to extend their reach and effectiveness. All the while managing high staff turnover rates.
SAPS is heavily under resourced and understaffed, which means South Africans will need to rely more on private security to ensure their safety and security.
Conclusion: The role of a security officer in South Africa is more demanding than ever before. By focusing on these key physical security challenges and preparing accordingly, officers can rise to meet the demands of 2024 and beyond, ensuring the safety and security of the communities they serve. Companies will need to ensure that their Officers are trained and equipped to deal with modern crime trends.
Retail:
2. Criminals are targeting ‘tap to pay’ in South Africa
A recent security video in South Africa shows how criminals are targeting bank cards with the tap-to-pay functionality to steal from victims.
Tap-and-go or contactless payments – such as tapping your card or using your smartphone or smartwatch at a point-of-sale (POS) machine – are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience.
However, although banks have developed fraud detection and prevention systems, such as SIM Swap detection, transaction monitoring, 2-factor authentication (2FA) and other customer identification methods, fraudsters are constantly devising new ways to bypass these systems, making it an ongoing battle for banks to stay one step ahead.
One such tactic was illustrated in a security video on social media platform X.
Shared by Crime Watch’s Yusuf Abramjee, a security video of an unknown store shows how card scammers clone banking card information using the tap-to-pay function.
In the video, the criminals place items they intend to “buy” at the point of sales desk while talking to the cashier, before telling the victim to go in front of them for some reason.
The victim then goes ahead of the criminals to pay for their goods. However, when they pay using their card, the criminal gets close enough to use his smartphone to scan the card using software that likely clones the card’s details.
This all happens without the victim’s knowledge or notification that their card has been scanned.
The video can be viewed below.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1767646831855431696
According to the Ombudsman for Banking Services (OBSSA), this scam works by exploiting near-field communication (NFC) technology and tap-and-go payment systems.
NFC technology scams involve fraudsters using stolen bank card information, such as the card number, expiry date, and CVV number, to make fraudulent purchases through digital wallets.
The OBSSA noted that fraudsters use stolen card information to link their smart devices, such as smartphones and smartwatches, to payment platforms like Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, Garmin Pay, and Google Pay.
It added this type of fraud is becoming popular among criminals because NFC/digital wallet payments do not require OTPs for every transaction – much like when you don’t receive an OTP when purchasing through tap-to-pay, albeit at a certain limit.
The Ombudsman confirmed hundreds of NFC fraud-related complaints have recently formally been reported and investigated by her office.
The losses suffered are in the millions of rands, with customers’ accounts fraudulently drained through tap-and-go purchases made with smart devices in mostly foreign jurisdictions such as Dubai, France, and Spain while the legitimate cardholders were in South Africa.
3. Social Media
In the next week or 2 we will start a new column around social media use for finding work etc.
4. Interview Q & A
This week’s topic will address the necessity to prepare for an interview.
Preparation is crucial for a candidate to perform well in an interview. It demonstrates your enthusiasm, shows respect for the opportunity, and helps you the candidate present yourself confidently and effectively.
Here are several reasons why preparation is essential, along with practical tips for effective preparation:
1. Demonstrates Seriousness:
- Preparation shows that the candidate is serious about the role and respects the employer's time.
2. Builds Confidence:
- Being well-prepared reduces anxiety, allowing the candidate to answer questions confidently.
3. Highlights Relevant Skills:
- Preparation enables candidates to match their skills and experiences with the job requirements.
4. Allows for Better Responses:
- Prepared candidates can provide detailed and structured responses, particularly to behavioral and situational questions.
5. Shows Cultural Fit:
- Understanding the company culture and values helps candidates tailor their responses to demonstrate they are a good fit.
6. Facilitates Questions:
- Well-prepared candidates can ask insightful questions, showing their genuine interest in the role and the company.
Tips for Effective Interview Preparation
1. Research the Company:
- Understand the Business: Learn about the company’s products, services, market position, and competitors.
- Know the Culture: Read about the company’s mission, values, and culture through their website and social media.
- Recent News: Be aware of any recent news or developments related to the company.
2. Understand the Role:
- Job Description: Review the job description thoroughly to understand key responsibilities and required skills.
- Skills Matching: Identify which of your skills and experiences align with the job requirements.
3. Practice Common Questions:
- Behavioral Questions: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses to common behavioral questions.
- Technical Questions: Review relevant technical knowledge and be prepared to discuss your expertise.
- General Questions: Prepare for common questions like “Tell me about yourself,” Why do you want this job?” and “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
4. Prepare Your Questions:
- Insightful Questions: Prepare questions about the role, team structure, company goals, and growth opportunities.
- Clarification Questions: Be ready to ask for clarification on any aspects of the job description or company that are unclear.
5. Mock Interviews:
- Practice with a Friend: Conduct mock interviews with a friend or mentor to get feedback.
- Self-Review: Record yourself answering questions and review the responses to identify areas for improvement.
6. Plan Your Attire:
- Appropriate Dress: Choose professional attire that aligns with the company’s dress code. When in doubt, it's better to be slightly overdressed.
- Comfort: Ensure your clothing is comfortable and that you feel confident wearing it.
7. Logistics:
- Interview Format: Confirm the format of the interview (in-person, video, phone) and ensure you have the necessary tools and technology.
- Location and Timing: If in-person, know the interview location and plan your route to arrive early. For virtual interviews, test your internet connection and equipment beforehand.
8. Mental and Physical Preparation:
- Rest Well: Ensure you get a good night’s sleep before the interview.
- Stay Calm: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to stay calm and focused.
By following these tips, candidates can present themselves in the best possible light, effectively communicate their qualifications, and demonstrate their genuine interest in the role and company.
5. The different career options available in the security field
This week’s career choice focusses on: Security Guarding
Choosing a career as an armed security guard is a significant decision that comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Here’s an in-depth look at the pros and cons of pursuing this career:
Pros of Being an Armed Security Guard
1. Job Stability and Demand:
- High Demand: With increasing security concerns and the crime wave currently being experienced in South Africa, there is a growing demand for armed security personnel.
- Job Stability: Security is a critical need for many organisations, leading to consistent and long-term employment opportunities.
2. Salary:
- Higher Earnings: Armed security guards often earn higher wages compared to unarmed guards due to the added responsibilities and risks involved.
3. Skills Development:
- Specialised Training: The job provides training in firearms handling, and industry specific specialisations.
- Problem-Solving: Guards develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through their duties.
4. Career Advancement:
- Growth Opportunities: Experience in armed security can lead to higher positions such as security supervisors, managers, or specialised security roles, along with the increase in salary and statutory benefits.
5. Sense of Duty and Impact:
- Protecting Others: There is a strong sense of responsibility and satisfaction in protecting people and property.
- Community Service: The role often involves contributing to the safety and well-being of the community.
6. Variety of Work Environments:
- Diverse Settings: Armed security guards can work in a variety of different environments, including corporate offices, retail stores, banks, hospitals, event venues etc.
Cons of Being an Armed Security Guard
1. Risk and Danger:
- High Risk: The job involves facing potential threats, including armed criminals, which can be dangerous.
- Physical Confrontations: There is a possibility of physical altercations, which can lead to injuries.
2. Stress and Pressure:
- High Stress Levels: Constant vigilance and the responsibility to react swiftly in emergencies can be stressful.
- Mental Strain: The potential for dangerous situations can lead to mental strain and burnout.
3. Strict Requirements and Training:
- Rigorous Training: Becoming an armed guard requires extensive training and certification.
- Continuous Education: Ongoing training and re-certification are often required to maintain skills and legal compliance.
4. Legal and Ethical Responsibilities:
- Legal Liability: Armed guards carry a significant legal responsibility, and misuse of a firearm can have severe legal ramifications.
- Ethical Dilemmas: The role may involve making quick ethical decisions in high-pressure situations.
5. Irregular Hours:
- Shift Work: Many security positions require working nights, weekends, and holidays, which can disrupt personal life and work-life balance.
- Long Hours: 12-hour shifts, 48 hour + work weeks are common, leading to potential fatigue.
6. Physical Demands:
- Fitness Requirements: The job can be physically demanding, requiring guards to maintain good physical condition.
- On-Feet for Long Periods: Guards often need to stand or patrol for extended periods.
Conclusion
A career as an armed security guard can be rewarding for those who value stability, enjoy protecting others, and are looking for a role that offers skills development and advancement opportunities. However, it is essential to consider the risks, stress, and physical demands associated with the job. Weighing these pros and cons will help you to determine if this career aligns with your personal and professional goals.
If you decide to pursue this path, ensure you are well-prepared, both physically and mentally, and are committed to the rigorous training and responsibilities that come with being an armed security guard.
6. Psira updates
22 security officers and 1 Director arrested for rendering security services whilst not registered and deployment of unregistered personnel respectively in Wierdebrug.
2x South Africans
21x Foreign Nationals
1 Code of Conduct docket to be opened.
https://twitter.com/PSiRALive/status/1788927888839831781