Behavioral Analysis for Theft Prevention

That is an insightful post; thank you for elevating this conversation. From a Cyberpsychology and Forensic Cyberpsychology standpoint, human-centered risk is fundamentally a behavioral challenge before it is a technical one. Controls and security awareness training remain vital "hygiene," but they address only the how of an attack. To outpace the threat, it's crucial to delve into the why, including cognitive biases, emotional triggers, and social dynamics that drive individuals to become inadvertent or deliberate threat actors. In practice, this means enhancing traditional SOC telemetry with what my field refers to as behavioral threat intelligence (BTI). By integrating digital forensics artifacts (logins, file movements, anomaly scores) with empirically validated behavioral markers, we can surface intent before it manifests as harm. Models such as the Adversary Behavior Analysis Model (ABAM) and the Cyber Forensics Behavioral Analysis" (CFBA) framework operationalize this fusion, enabling security teams to: - Profile motivation (grievance, ideology, profit, curiosity) rather than relying solely on role‑based access assumptions. - Detect cognitive fatigue or moral disengagement in employees, early indicators of risky click paths, and policy violations. - Map social engineering pressure points by analyzing how attackers exploit trust dynamics inside supply‑chain and hiring workflows. It's essential to tailor interventions (such as coaching, peer support, or investigative escalation) proportionate to both the technical severity and psychological drivers. This personalized approach is key to effectively managing cybersecurity risks. When we treat human risk as a continuum of behavioral signals rather than a binary of compliant versus malicious, we create response playbooks that are preventative, proportionate, and humane. The outcome is a workforce that is not merely "aware" but actively engaged in its cyber resilience. That culture, more than any single control, is what closes today's widening gap between threat velocity and organizational readiness. #Cyberpsychology #ForensicCyberpsychology #BehavioralThreatIntelligence #HumanCentricSecurity #CognitiveSecurity #InsiderThreats #HumanRisk #CyberBehavioralScience #SecurityAwareness #IntentBasedDefense #CyberResilience #SecurityCulture #ThreatModeling #DigitalForensics #CybersecurityLeadership #NeurodiversityInSecurity #CyberDeception #AdaptiveDefense #DarkTriadAnalysis #BehavioralAnalytics Landon W. Prof. Mary Aiken

Most organizations face theft not because of a complete lack of security, but because they lack knowledge on criminal check list Understanding these factors can help businesses and institutions prevent losses by identifying and protecting items that are most likely to be targeted. One such practical tool is the ATCUTPRICES checklist. This model outlines the characteristics that make an item more attractive to thieves. The more boxes an item ticks, the more likely it is to be stolen. The ATCUTPRICES Criminal Checklist ✔ A – Affordable Items that are not costly or difficult to access, making them easy for thieves to acquire or manipulate. Prevention Tip: Restrict access to valuable areas or equipment using ID cards, access controls, or locked storage to make unauthorized entry more difficult. ✔ T – Transferable Goods that can be easily moved or transported without requiring complex logistics. Prevention Tip: Secure movable items with locks, tethering cables, or tagging systems, especially in shared or open spaces. ✔ C – Concealable Items that can be hidden easily on a person or in a bag without drawing suspicion. Prevention Tip: Increase visibility with CCTV coverage and minimize blind spots in store layouts or office designs. ✔ U – Untraceable Assets lacking serial numbers, unique identifiers, or tracking technology. Prevention Tip: Mark items with serial numbers or property tags, and register valuable assets in inventory systems to enhance traceability. ✔ T – Tradable Goods that are in high demand and can be exchanged quickly in underground markets. Prevention Tip: Regularly review and audit high-demand inventory, and educate staff ✔ P – Profitable Items that provide high resale value, making the theft worth the effort. Prevention Tip: Keep high-value items locked in secure cabinets or restricted zones, and limit the number of staff with access. ✔ R – Reputable Recognizable or popular brands that are easy to sell due to their perceived quality or status. Prevention Tip: Use dummy display units where possible, and keep actual stock in secure, monitored backrooms. ✔ I – Impreshable (Impressionable/Durable) Durable items that don’t wear out easily and can be stored for future resale or use. Prevention Tip: Install anti-theft systems like RFID tags and engage in regular audits to account for all durable goods. ✔ C – Consumable Goods that can be used personally (e.g., electronics, food, cosmetics) or sold for fast cash. Prevention Tip: Store consumables in locked cabinets, limit quantities on display, and conduct routine stock checks. ✔ E – Evaluation Assets whose value can be quickly assessed by the thief before committing the crime. Prevention Tip: Keep high-value items out of plain sight, and avoid clear labeling ✔ S – Shiftable Items that can be sold or exchanged quickly without legal complications or specialized markets. Prevention Tip: Train employees follow John Okumu SRMP-C,SRMP-R,CSA® for more

"What are some of the most consistent indicators of attacks in public spaces?" It’s one of the most common questions I get from learners and security professionals alike. And it’s a fair one - it taps into the desire for a neat TAM-style formula for reading NVC and behaviour. But as we all know... it’s never quite that tidy. That said, there are patterns we can lean on. Here's the closest thing we've got to a behavioural early warning system: 🔀 Sporadic Directions of Travel (DoT) DoT is a strong indicator of intent. Depending on their experience, attackers often look to close the distance to their target quickly and efficiently — but without raising alarms. You’ll see: • Diagonal Methods of Travel (DMoT) • Disregard for social norms (cutting across streets, ignoring pavements) • Ignoring obstacles (bumping into people, walking in front of cars) Often fuelled by adrenaline or tunnel vision, this can look chaotic — but it’s usually purposeful. 👀 Target / Witness Scanning This one pops up both pre- and post-incident. Think darting head movements, quick eye flicks. They're: • Confirming a target (PID) • Scanning for witnesses, CCTV, security presence • Checking egress routes The more experienced the attacker, the more subtle this will be. 🎭 Rehearsal-like Behaviour Ever done the “pat-down panic” when you think you’ve lost your keys? That’s rehearsal behaviour. You’re carrying something important, and your body leaks the stress. Offenders carrying weapons, drugs, or stolen items do the same - often without realising: • Subtle touching/fingering of the item • Blading the body away from others • Micro-rehearsals of attacks or draws ⚠️ But remember... No single behaviour gives you the full picture. Context is everything. These cues only become powerful when you layer them into a broader behavioural and environmental analysis. If you're working in security, close protection, or threat detection — this is the kind of intel that buys you time. 🔗 Want to learn how to apply this in the real world? DM me or check out our training (link in the comments) Let’s raise the bar — and the awareness. #NVC #BehaviouralAnalysis #ThreatDetection #SituationalAwareness #SecurityTraining #HostileIntent #CloseProtection #RedFlags #BodyLanguage #SecurityProfessionals #LeadershipInSecurity