Whether you are at home or working, you must avoid injury or loss of life.
You always opt for a relatively secure city to be your next home. However, even the most confident places have their fair share of crime. You, therefore, need to recognize threats to your security and what to do to avoid them.
Not all security risks will cause you physical harm. Others can cause emotional and financial damage.
This post will guide you through five personal security risks to watch out for and avoid.
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Physical Attacks
Physical assaults are violent crimes that happen around the world daily. The effects can be far-reaching, particularly if you or your loved ones are seriously harmed.
The fact that physical attacks are happening in different parts of the world makes it the biggest safety risk to watch out for. These attacks occur for many reasons. It could be hate-motivated assault or a mugging, but the point is that it causes injury and sometimes death.
Whether walking in the streets at night or just at home alone, physical assault is a massive threat to your security. To reduce the risks of physical assault:
- Avoid dark corners and entrances
- Don’t carry large sums of money
- Walk away from heated arguments
- Avoid hitchhikes
- Be aware of your surroundings
These clever street tips will reduce the risks of physical assault. But, when the property is cause for attack, give it up rather than give up your life.
2. Sexual Violence
Sexual violence is probably the biggest security threat in every community. While it is a form of physical abuse, it demands special attention if it doesn’t involve non-physical actions.
Sexual violence occurs when any form of sexual activity happens with no consent. This ranges from harassment to rape. Statistics say that one in every five women and 24.8% of men in the US experienced complete or attempted rape in their lifetime.
The psychological implications of sexual assault can be crippling, resulting in far-reaching effects on families and the entire community. For this reason, it’s everyone’s responsibility to seek awareness as the first step to preventing this form of assault.
While it can be challenging to protect yourself against sexual violence, it’s not at all impossible. You can stay safe by doing the following:
- Identify and avoid spaces that feel unsafe- i.e., dark corners, an alley
- Learn safe dating tips to prevent intimate partner sexual abuse
- Enroll in self-defense classes
- Tell someone about your whereabouts every time
- Report unwelcome interactions
Prevention strategies are not enough for the fight against sexual violence. If you know a victim make sure you reach out and help them seek assistance from authorities or local support groups.
3. Theft of Documents
Sensitive documents can also result in security risks. If you handle important documents that could cause harm if the contents are exposed, you may want to follow proper procedures for keeping such records secure.
The most targeted environments are generally workplaces where documents have sensitive company information.
Usually, when documents get into the wrong hands, they can be used for various damaging activities such as blackmail and the release of trade secrets.
When it comes to personal risks, issues like identity theft are common. The Federal Trade Commission defines identity theft as using someone’s information without permission. Targeted documents are usually social security numbers, addresses, names, and bank details.
If you lose these documents, they can result in threats like:
- Harassment and extortion
- Buying things under your name and credit cards details
- Stealing a tax refund, and many more
To keep your documents protected, always lock them away. We advise you to shred the papers you don’t need.
You also want to be cautious about sharing your social security or credit card details. Whenever personal info is requested, it is within your right to question how it will be used and how the data can be protected from falling into the wrong hands.
4. Data Breaches
Considering most systems have moved online these days, the chances that your accounts will be hacked have also increased. Whether occurring at a corporate or personal level, data breaches can have dire security consequences.
Identity Theft Resource Center found that 2021 alone had 281.5 million cases of data breaches. Once a breach has occurred, the lost data can be used for all types of crime, ranging from harassment to extortions.
Data breaches tend to happen when security defenses are weak. We often weaken our online accounts by using weak passwords or unknowingly sharing those details.
If you want to protect your online information, start with a two-factor verification that sends a pin code to your mobile device before accessing an online account. You could also use stronger passwords or, even better, eye and fingerprint scans. Such simple measures make it hard for criminals to gain access.
5. Vandalism
Vandalism is an unwarranted attack on property and happens to business premises just as much as it happens to personal properties like homes and cars.
The attack may be anything that causes damage like breaking windows, setting up fires, spray painting, and throwing rocks.
However, it’s not difficult to protect your property from vandalism, and the best way to prevent the crime is to create an effective security strategy that works for you.
So, what are the measures that can help you fight vandalism?
- Always lock up properly
- Install CCTV cameras and motion sensors
- Setup warning signs
- Hire some security personnel
- Add extra lighting
- Fence your property
Acting fast in response to vandalism is critical. That is why we also recommend that you get insurance coverage to protect your assets and peace of mind.
Conclusion
You are exposed to security risks anywhere at any time. Personal security risks can cause bodily harm, financial losses, and even loss of life.
If you’re a notable person or live in populated places like California, you can expect safety to be a common problem. That’s why we recommend private bodyguards for hire if your circumstances call for it.
All in all, always be aware of your surroundings and have 911 on speed dial if you ever feel threatened.