))
Countering Extremism with Guy Mathias - Part 2
Manage episode 477068130 series 3306745
Content provided by Philip Grindell MSc CSyP. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Philip Grindell MSc CSyP or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
"Countering Extremism with Guy Mathias" – The Defuse Podcast
This two-part podcast features an in-depth conversation between Philip Grindell and Guy Mathias, a renowned security expert with extensive experience countering extremism, particularly in the pharmaceutical and research sectors.
Episode Summary
In this fascinating discussion, Guy Mathias shares insights from his distinguished career addressing extremist threats, particularly from animal rights groups in the UK during the 1980s through the 2000s. The conversation explores the evolution of extremist tactics, sophisticated intelligence gathering methods, and how organizations can prepare for and counter modern extremist threats.
Guy discusses how extremist groups evolved from direct action like arson attacks to more sophisticated operations involving infiltration, data mining, and targeted pressure campaigns. He emphasizes the importance of preparedness, risk assessment, and understanding both direct threats and supply chain vulnerabilities.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Guy's background and entry into security without traditional military/police experience
- The evolution of animal rights extremism in the UK, particularly the SHAC (Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty) campaign
- Sophisticated tactics used by extremist groups including:
- Direct action (arson, liberation of animals)
- Infiltration and insider threats
- Intelligence gathering and targeting
- Supply chain disruption
- How extremist tactics have transferred to other causes and evolved with technology
- The importance of preparedness and risk assessment
- Challenges of screening and vetting employees
- Protecting organizational leadership
- Current and future extremism trends
Notable Quotes:
"The tactics were a local level. They were at a national level. They became an international level tactic." - Guy Mathias
"I would certainly argue that there is a requirement for those of us working in the sector be that security risk or resilience, to be prepared. What does preparedness look like?" - Guy Mathias
Practical Advice for Organizations:
- Develop and maintain a dynamic risk register that is regularly reviewed
- Understand your organization's supply chain vulnerabilities
- Implement thorough pre-employment screening
- Consider ongoing screening for high-risk positions
- Educate leadership about potential threats
- Conduct vulnerability assessments for executives
- Prepare resilience plans for disruptions
The podcast provides valuable historical context and practical security insights for organizations facing potential extremist threats in today's complex environment.
Guy Mathias - https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-mathias-19555673/
Subscribe to 'Defuse News', our weekly update of the week's events on our website.
Follow me on X /Twitter
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Chapters
1. Introduction to Security Expert Guy Mathias (00:00:00)
2. Preparedness and Risk Register Essentials (00:05:42)
3. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities and Targeting (00:11:34)
4. Social Media Risks and Social Engineering (00:18:30)
5. Effective Insider Threat Management (00:27:09)
6. C-Suite Security and Leadership Vulnerability (00:34:05)
7. Future Outlook on Extremism Threats (00:42:46)
41 episodes
Share
