Page 50: of Maritime Logistics Professional Magazine (Q4 2013)

CHARACTERIZE / SYNTHESIZE / ANALYZE / OPTIMIZE?Characterize? is a starting point that establishes a baseline, for an existing security posture, by modeling a Þ rmÕs current risk environment. The AVERT tool creates a detailed, 3D mod- el of an asset that need to be protected. Interview ÒwizardsÓ are used in this solution to guide users through the process of inputting facility diagrams, terrain details, critical areas, and existing security and risk management features. Drag and drop functions allow decision makers to select features from a certi- Þ ed library of more than 50,000 security resources. This tool also helps users establish a ÔConcept of OperationsÕ, for risk mitigation, that can be tested and validated in follow-on steps. Without the help of a decision support tool like this, experts typically have to build a baseline proÞ le manually. These tools save time, and money, and allow for non-expert users to par- ticipate directly in the risk management process, from the start.ÔSynthesizeÕ has to do with testing various risk mitigation options using simulated incidents and threat proÞ les. Once a baseline proÞ le has been established, a decision support tool can simulate both natural and man-made hazards, as well as other operational disruptions that have the potential to result in losses. One size does not Þ t all when it comes to risk miti- gation strategies. Decision support tools can become a Òforce multiplierÓ for decision makers by enabling users to virtually conÞ gure and test hundreds of different options. The AVERT tool, for example, uses probabilistic algorithms and Monte Carlo analysis to identify and quantify a wide variety of secu- rity vulnerabilities and mitigation choices. Maritime security decision makers need to know where and how vulnerabilities are most likely to occur. It is essential to understand how ex- isting security systems will respond to different threats, and where the best opportunities may exist to enhance security. Decision support tools use the power of modern computing to sort through the myriad of variables and options, and then present the results in a way that facilitates decision making. ?Analyze? is the area where the best decision support tools really shine. Simply presenting reams of analytical data is not necessarily useful. And data does not become ÒintelligenceÓ until it is analyzed and disseminated. AVERT combines quan- titative analysis with comprehensive visualization tools and intuitive output such as graphs, heat maps, pie charts, and MARITIME SECURITY Screenshot depicting a particular attack path along with billboards and shot traces. Shot traces show in red shots from adversaries and blue, shots from guard force. The billboards can be accessed to detail what hap- pened at the particular point in the simulation and is used to analyze the attack and response. 50 | Maritime Professional | 4Q 2013MP #4 50-63.indd 50MP #4 50-63.indd 5012/11/2013 2:06:19 PM12/11/2013 2:06:19 PM