Most critical infrastructure and asset protection programs today, supported by significant investment, focus on improving perimeter security, access control, and incident response. It is our belief at TrapWire that we can achieve better results, and do so more cost effectively by shifting our focus to prevention.

At the end of FY2010, the Department of Homeland Security, under the Homeland Security Grant Program, had invested more than $30 billion in local planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercises for state and local governments since 9/11.These grants were intended to "enhance the ability of states, territories, and urban areas to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks and other disasters". The vast majority of this money has been spent in support of emergency first responder communities and in defending critical infrastructure by strengthening access and perimeter security measures. Billions more has been invested by the private sector. While these investments have been prudent, history has demonstrated that physical security enhancements do serve to diminish the affect of an attack, but do not prevent determined terrorists or criminals from launching assaults resulting in significant loss of life and damage to critical assets. There are many examples of successful terrorist attacks against "hardened" targets. At the same time, however, it is difficult to defend "soft" targets such as exist in crowded transit facilities with a physical security enhancement strategy.

The use of suicide bombers and large vehicle-borne explosives provide determined terrorists with significant advantages. Even when facility defenders see these types of attacks coming, as has often been the case, experience has tragically demonstrated that it is then too late to take preventive measures. On the day of the attack, all of the advantage resides with the terrorist. To defeat terrorism, we must intercede when they are most vulnerable - during the pre-operational information gathering and planning process.

While Damage Impact Mitigation Measures Are Prudent,
Prevention Must Be The Goal!