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That tool should provide a way to rapidly conduct “what if” system, has paid for itself many times over in some recent analysis related to the various threat profles that your busi- implementations. For example, a major U.S. port recently ness is exposed to. That same tool should facilitate the clear used AVERT to validate the design basis of a planned security communication of the value proposition associated with a spe- upgrade, eventually resulting in a successful maritime secu- cifc planned maritime risk management initiative. rity grant award of $5.5 million. Separately, a private power

AVERT can build a 3D model of a facility or entire site and generation frm recently used the AVERT tool to reduce their allows the client to run thousands of simulations (terrorist at- annual security assessment budget by as much as 30 percent.

tacks, natural disasters, insider threats, etc.) against it. This al- lows them to quantify the effectiveness of their entire security, In uSe: yeSTeRdAy, TodAy – And TomoRRow down to a single camera and is accredited by the Dept. of De- The footprint of the AVERT solutions suite in ports is deep, fense and Energy and has a DHS SAFETY Act Certifcation. but is not limited to the maritime sphere. Already in use by fully

ARES uses AVERT models and scenarios in two of its train- 67% of all nuclear facilities in North America, the frm has its ing solutions; AVERT Virtual Tabletop and AVERT Virtual sights on many other targets. The AVERT software has become

Training. Virtual Tabletop provides decision makers and secu- the new industry standard for performing quantitative risk as- rity forces an exercise environment to evaluate the effective- sessments. Signifcantly, the solution is the only completely- ness of new or existing policies, procedures and tactics. By off-the-shelf vulnerability assessment software certifed by the removing the limitations and guesswork involved in regular ta- SAFETY Act. Able to be set up locally in one-off requirements, bletop drills, the frm has created a virtual training environment the system is especially valuable for special events such as high that goes well beyond the capabilities of normal exercises. profle bowl games or professional sports championships.

Using the Virtual Tabletop, security personnel can run and Real port security doesn’t just involve what’s inside the control detailed simulations while commanding a virtual blue fence. For port authorities and terminals that were previously force against adversaries and see the real-time impacts of their focused inward from the perimeter, cooperation with outside decisions displayed on the common operating picture. As a law enforcement, frst responders, and real collaborative situ- simulation runs, trainees are provided with limited informa- ational awareness hasn’t come easily. But, it is here now.

tion in which they must make decisions or position their forc- Command-and-control centers and watch-standers need es based on adversary advances. The trainee’s decisions will sharply focused relevant information. They also need a system update the agents and objectives within the simulation which that will sift through millions of bytes of data to fnd the one or changes the simulations’ outcome. ARES also uses the models two bits that allow them to make sense of the larger picture – and for Virtual Training, which allows users to walk through their to help anticipate the future. If so-called situational awareness is facility or replay the detailed simulations in high fdelity. the key to staying safe, then the security challenge facing Amer-

If you and your team are not so equipped, then it may be ica’s port authorities has never been more daunting. If that’s the time to investigate decision support tools. problem, then AVERT C2 is probably the ideal solution.

The AVERT tool, used as an effective decision support www.arescorporation.com www.maritimelogisticsprofessional.com 53

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