Glossary of Threats

White Collar Crime: White-collar crime is usually an unlawful act committed by a person while on the job. Employee theft, embezzlement, fraud, and computer crimes such as espionage and sabotage are all forms of white-collar crime. These criminal acts can result in significant financial loss, employee mistrust, computer failures, loss of confidential information, and loss of merchandise. Small businesses may be more likely to become a victim, since small companies tend to be more trusting of their employees, leaving themselves more vulnerable to attacks. Other organizations that should be particularly watchful are those, which deal with large sums of money. Other workers to keep an eye on include disgruntled employees and former employees that harbor ill will towards the organization.

Winter Storms: Snow, ice, snowdrifts, and flooding from melting snow are examples of severe winter weather conditions that can hinder your business operations and endanger your employees. Snow and ice can knock out power lines, cutting off electricity, phones, and heat. Facility damage is also a real possibility in a winter storm, with heavy snowfall that can collapse roofs, or water damage from melting snow and ice. The facility itself, along with important documents and files, may be damaged. In a storm, your organization should be prepared to get along without employees who cannot make it in to work, since snowy conditions can make traveling hazardous.

Workplace Violence: Violent or aggressive acts can adversely affect productivity by lowering morale, increasing absenteeism, creating conflict between labor and management, and increasing the rate of personnel turnover. Violence in the workplace also diverts an organization's resources with demands for increased security measures, workers' compensation, training, crisis response, and/or litigation. There are six types of violent offenders: strangers, customers/clients, murderous workers, threatening workers, spouses or lovers, and individuals who are infatuated with or who stalk employees. The typical offender is a male at least 35 years of age who has a history of violent behavior, is mentally ill and a substance abuser, belongs to groups that condone the use of violence, and is interested in guns. This type of person often feels mistreated by "the system", files trivial grievances, and brags to co-workers about harmful intentions.