ISO 18788 Clause 7.4.2 focuses on operational communications within the Security Operations Management System (SOMS). Effective communication is crucial for sharing information about security team activities, threat information, incident reporting, and requesting assistance when needed. Here's a breakdown of the key elements of this clause:
Clause 7.4.2 - Operational Communications:
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Communication Procedures: The organization is required to develop communication procedures that facilitate the sharing of critical information. This includes details about security team activities, their current location, operational and logistic status, relevant threat information, and incident reporting.
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Recipients of Information: Information sharing should extend to various stakeholders, including company management, clients, other private security teams, and relevant civil or military authorities. These procedures should specify how and when information is shared.
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Requesting Assistance: The procedures should also cover the process for requesting immediate assistance from military or civil authorities, other security teams, and emergency medical support. Clear protocols ensure a swift response in case of emergencies.
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Language and Understanding: It is essential that both spoken and written communications can be received and understood by all levels and operators within the organization. This includes ensuring that internal and external stakeholders can comprehend the communications.
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Communication with Protected Parties: Security teams should be capable of communicating security-related information to the party they are protecting in a manner that the protected party can understand. This emphasizes the importance of effective communication with those under protection.
In summary, Clause 7.4.2 emphasizes the need for well-defined communication procedures within the SOMS. These procedures should enable effective information sharing, request for assistance, and communication with various stakeholders, all while ensuring that language and means of communication are understood by those involved. This ensures efficient and coordinated security operations and responses to potential threats or incidents.