For many years, terrorism was seen as something distant. A threat associated with war zones, major capitals, military installations or highly symbolic targets.
The reality, however, is different.
Terrorism does not begin at the moment of an attack. It begins earlier.
Before the attack, there are people moving around, vehicles transporting materials, premises being used, targets being observed and behaviour that deviates from normal patterns.
The recent incident in Britain provides a clear reason for reflection. Five men were arrested near a military base, and the investigation was taken over by counter-terrorism officers.
What matters to those of us who work professionally in security is that the authorities’ response began with a report of three suspicious vehicles that appeared to be heading towards the base.
This is the essential point.
Security does not begin at the gate, with the guard or in the Operations Centre. It begins much earlier.
It begins with observation, information and the recognition of deviations from the norm.
Today, a potential target could be a business, a school, a shopping centre, an energy facility or a place where people gather. Its true security perimeter extends far beyond its boundaries.
Modern protection therefore requires trained personnel, technology, an Operations Centre, sound assessment of information and, where necessary, counter-surveillance services.
Above all, it requires a security culture.
Not fear.
Not suspicion of everyone.
But awareness.
The greatest failure is not always that we failed to see the threat.
It is that we saw it, but did not understand its significance in time.