Both a philosophy and management system, ESRM uses globally established risk management principles to help security professionals manage the varied security risks facing organisations. By making ESRM a strategic objective, ASIS is looking to shift the profession from a siloed approach to security management to a more collaborative process.

“Threats today are increasingly more sophisticated, targeting organisations in myriad ways. In addition, the rapidly evolving business and compliance landscape requires a more holistic and strategic approach to managing organisational risk,” says David C. Davis, CPP, President, ASIS International. “As the only global professional association representing the total spectrum of security, ASIS is uniquely positioned to lead this effort.”

ESRM covers not only traditional security issues such as loss prevention and terrorism, but also a broad array of topics including brand protection, business continuity, corporate espionage, cyber security, information security, resilience, and white collar crime. Davis goes on to note “by embracing an ESRM mindset, our members will become more effective security professionals and more valuable members of their organisations.”

To lead this initiative, the Board of Directors has established a two-year ESRM commission, headed by Dave N. Tyson, CPP, 2016 ASIS International chairman of the board. Tyson notes that while ASIS has been involved in ESRM for years, it has never committed to driving the approach in this manner or emphasising its vital importance to the work ASIS members do.

“The commission will develop a framework to integrate ESRM into all ASIS education, white papers, research, and other professional offerings,” said Tyson. “We believe the result will be a more empowered membership, safer enterprises, a more strategic approach to risk, and a more cost-effective security function.”