The Security Challenges for Soft Targets in the Wake of Orlando

The choice of soft targets in recent terrorist attacks in Orlando, Paris, Brussels, and San Bernardino has raised questions about the safety and security of private businesses. What do the managers of typical soft targets — public gathering places such as nightclubs, hotels, restaurants, offices, or public transportation that are particularly vulnerable — need to be thinking about concerning terrorism and active shooter events? How should law enforcement and intelligence services coordinate, work with, and share information with the private sector? And, more broadly, should the United States start a conversation about a cultural shift to consider and adopt a radically higher level of security in daily life?

The Cipher Brief spoke with members of the business community, security consultants, and government officials to explore possible ways businesses can try to mitigate security risks and gauge what kind of conversation the U.S. private sector is having about increasing security in response to attacks, such as the mass shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando that left 49 people dead and 53 wounded.