Protecting Critical Assets: Delving into BLOCKPHISH's Hostile Breach Vulnerability Assessments (HBVA)
December 2024
In today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape, organisations must stay one step ahead to protect their people, infrastructure, and operations. That’s why BLOCKPHISH offers a unique and specialised service: the Hostile Breach Vulnerability Assessment (HBVA). This essential capability is part of our physical security solutions and is designed to identify vulnerabilities in an organisation’s physical security posture before they can be exploited.
Led by our Covert Method of Entry (CME) specialist, who brings over 17,000 hours of covert operational experience from the UK Special Forces (UKSF), our HBVA service combines unparalleled expertise with cutting-edge methodologies to safeguard critical assets.
Why HBVA is Vital for Modern Organisations
For industries with multiple sites, such as office buildings, factories, and industrial facilities, or those responsible for Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), healthcare, or government operations, the stakes are particularly high. These entities are increasingly targeted by hostile nation-state actors, making proactive security assessments not just a precaution but a necessity.
Recently, BLOCKPHISH conducted a HBVA across several UK sites for a client operating in the critical infrastructure sector. The engagement revealed just how critical these assessments are in mitigating risks posed by both pervasive and emerging threats.
A Proven Process for Robust Security
Our HBVA process begins with detailed reconnaissance (recces) of the client’s sites, conducted during both daylight and silent hours. This allows our team to gather vital intelligence, including:
Site layout and security measures.
Patterns of life and behavioural norms.
Potential weaknesses in physical barriers and infrastructure.
Where necessary, social engineering techniques are employed to gain deeper insights, creating a comprehensive foundation for the assessment.
Non-Destructive Testing with Actionable Insights
The HBVA tests are performed with care to ensure no disruption or damage to the client’s facilities. Agreed-upon scope and perimeters guide every activity, ensuring transparency and alignment with the client’s priorities.
Once testing is complete, a detailed report is prepared.
Continuous Improvement: Building a Culture of Security
At BLOCKPHISH, our commitment to security doesn’t end with the delivery of the report. We provide:
Hot debriefs for immediate feedback and insights.
On-site walkthroughs to clarify findings and demonstrate vulnerabilities.
Ongoing collaboration to ensure continuous improvement of security protocols.
We believe in creating a resilient security culture, where organisations regularly review and enhance their measures to stay ahead of evolving threats.
The Benefits of HBVA
HBVA delivers tangible value to organisations, including:
Proactive defence: Addressing vulnerabilities before they’re exploited.
Comprehensive protection: Evaluating all aspects of physical security.
Regulatory compliance: Helping meet industry standards.
Operational continuity: Safeguarding against disruptions.
Enhanced reputation: Preventing breaches that could damage stakeholder trust.
At BLOCKPHISH, we’re proud to play a critical role in safeguarding the infrastructure that powers our lives. If your organisation is ready to elevate its security posture, contact us today to learn more about our Hostile Breach Vulnerability Assessment (HBVA) services.
To discuss how BLOCKPHISH can help your organisation, please contact Neil Ringrose [email protected] or Ben Harris [email protected]