What are the Most Common Security Risks That Organizations Face While Abroad?

December 4, 2023

In today’s era of globalization, many companies and organizations operate far beyond their home turf. However, along with the promise of international operations comes a myriad of security risks. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward mitigating them, so let’s dive into some of the most common security risks that companies and organizations face while operating abroad.

• Political instability: Countries with unstable political climates can pose severe risks to businesses and organizations. Unexpected changes in leadership or sudden shifts in foreign policy can lead to unpredictable operating environments. Civil unrest, strikes, and even coups can disrupt operations and jeopardize the safety of employees.
• Terrorism and insurgency: Terrorist attacks can be devastating, both in terms of human loss and business continuity. Beyond the direct impact of these attacks, the fear and tension resulting from such threats can hamper employee morale and business operations. Additionally, certain regions can experience insurgency-driven violence, which can lead to kidnappings and sabotage.
• Cyber threats: With the increasing digitization of business operations, cyber threats have become a global concern. Companies operating abroad must be wary of local hackers, state-sponsored cyber espionage, and even lax cybersecurity standards in host countries.
• Crime: Various forms of crime can be a significant concern in certain regions. Companies may face threats of extortion, theft, and even violence. In some areas, local law enforcement may be ill-equipped or even complicit in these criminal activities. These activities can range from high-level organized crime to localized petty crime in the vicinity of where businesses or organizations are operating.
• Intellectual property theft: Protecting intellectual property (IP) becomes even more challenging abroad. Companies can face counterfeit operations, patent infringements, or even theft of trade secrets, especially in countries where IP laws are not robust or well-enforced.
• Health risks: Outbreaks of infectious diseases, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and differing health standards can pose threats to staff. Employees who are traveling or relocating can be exposed to illnesses that are not prevalent in their home countries.
• Cultural misunderstandings: While not a direct security threat, cultural misunderstandings can lead to conflicts, tensions, and even legal troubles. Companies must invest in cultural training to ensure their employees are sensitive to local customs, norms, and laws.
• Legal risks: Changing regulatory environments, especially in countries where laws are ambiguous or frequently altered, can pose significant challenges. Bribery and corruption are rampant in certain nations, posing ethical and legal risks to organizations, including prosecution or imprisonment based on false pretenses.
• Natural disasters: Certain regions are prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, or floods. While these are beyond human control, understanding the risk profile of an area can help in being better prepared.

To put all this in perspective, FocusPoint International’s InFocus Quarterly Summary Report for Q2 of 2023 divides incidents into three categories: political threat/civil unrest, terrorism/conflict, and natural disasters. Among these, throughout this time period, 211 political threat/civil unrest incidents were recorded, with the highest number occurring in the Asia Pacific region, with 68 instances. Furthermore, 496 terrorism/conflict incidents were recorded, with the highest number occurring in the Middle East and North Africa region, with 166 instances. Finally, 200 natural disaster incidents were recorded, with the highest number (a majority) occurring in the Asia Pacific region, with 101 instances.

FocusPoint International Offerings

Navigating these challenges requires not only awareness but also proactive preparation and response mechanisms. FocusPoint International specializes in comprehensive travel risk management services. From crisis response and evacuation services to consultation on security strategies, FocusPoint ensures that companies and organizations can operate with confidence, no matter where their business takes them. Leveraging FocusPoint’s expertise in crisis management and security means that no matter how complex the international landscape gets, companies have a reliable partner to lean on, ensuring safety and continuity.