Lloyd’s chairman calls for action after report highlights home-grown terror boost
Companies must start taking steps to mitigate the risk of home-grown terrorism, says Lord Levene.
The Lloyd’s chairman was responding to a report recently released by the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), which outlines a number of steps businesses can take to mitigate the risk of terrorism.
Levene called on the UK business community to draw up an action plan to address this risk.
In a statement Levene said: “No one should be in any doubt that home-grown terrorism has the potential to disrupt business significantly.
“However, although most business leaders are increasingly worried about it, they have told us that they currently understand very little about what home-grown terrorism risk means for their business.”
Among the various risks addressed, the report said businesses must not discount the threat of cyber terrorist attacks and must be adequately prepared.
According to the IISS, the average age of home-grown jihadis has fallen and a new generation brought up on computers is rising through the terror cell ranks.
Companies must be aware of which critical systems are controlled by computers and who oversees its security. As most cyber attacks or cyber crime occurs, at least partially from within, organisations must have sophisticated hiring and vetting procedures.
The report said that an analysis of previous terrorist attacks has allowed for the identification of a number of common themes which can help companies mitigate risks.
As such, companies are being advised to strengthen information gathering to identify any gaps in their businesses as well as to adopt rigorous security procedures which also includes knowing neighbouring businesses and considering terrorist threats while constructing new buildings.
The report said companies can also play a valuable role in helping to prevent the terrorism cycle through investment and HR decisions designed to help young and marginalised members of the Islamic community who may typically have more difficulties finding work.
